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| Kahramanmaraş | ||
| province | Kahramanmaraş | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 330.000 | |
other value for residents on Wikidata: 443575   | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Kahramanmaras a city of about 300,000 inhabitants in the Turkey.
background
The Hittites settled at the foot of the Ahır Dağı (2,340 m asl) as early as the Bronze Age. After the collapse of the great Hittite kingdom, it developed like many into an independent Hittite kingdom called Markasi. This was soon taken over by the Assyrians and so over the centuries all major powers shook hands and passed the city through. This usually happened bloody and so much of the past was lost in wars. The last conflict to be fought in what was then the city of Maraş was the resistance to the French / English occupation after the First World War. Thereupon you were given the title Kahraman, which means something heroic. For many Turks, the city is still simply Maraş today. Today Kahramanmaraş is a modern, sympathetic city that lives very well from its main source of income, agriculture, due to the fertile environment. Kahramanmaraş is known all over Turkey for its ice cream (see kitchen).
getting there
In the street
Of Kayseri you drive the 300 in the direction Pinarbaşı and then turn onto the 850 shortly after this Göksun to Kahramanmaraş
Of Malatya or. Adıyaman the 850 leads south to Kahramanmaraş
Of Şanlıurfa or. Gaziantep you drive the 400 in a westerly direction and then just behind Gaziantep turn north to Kahramanmaraş.
Of Adana or Osmaniye you drive the 400 or the autobahn in the direction Gaziantep and bends ahead Gaziantep towards Kahramanmaraş (North Direction)
The bus station for intercity buses and dolmuş connections is located on Azarbaycan Bulvarı in the southern part of the city (direction Adana ). There are bus connections with Adana, Adıyaman, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Malatya, Osmaniye and Şanlıurfa.
By plane
The nearest airports are in Gaziantep and Adana
mobility
Here, too, you can move comfortably in the Dolmuş (shared taxi). What applies to all larger Turkish cities applies to self-drivers: the streets are narrow, there are hardly any parking spaces and the driving is quite spirited.
Tourist Attractions
- museum. The museum located at the Azarbaycan Bulvarı shows a good overview of the history of Kahramanmaraş. Here, among other things, a full-grown mammoth skeleton and the lion (Aslantaş) from Kahramanmaraş can be seen for 3 teaspoons. This well-preserved lion sculpture, which comes from the Hittite period and is decorated with hieroglyphics, was in the citadel some time ago. It was there that it was originally rediscovered. But in order to protect it, it has been moved to the museum. Mondays are closed and there is a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Otherwise the museum opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m.
Entrance
Stone hall
mammoth
Mosaics
lion
- citadel. This fortress was built by the Hittites and expanded by the Byzantines and Ottomans. From here you have a good overview of the city on all sides. This is especially worthwhile in the evening. But above all you will find a café, restaurant and lots of peace here.Price: Admission is free.
Opposite the citadel is the Ataturk Meydani. This essentially consists of:
- Ulu Cami. This mosque dates from the 15th century.
- Taş madrasah. This Koran school dates back to the 14th century and is still used for this purpose today.
- Ataturk statue. Of course, this should not be missing in any city.
Further out of the center towards Osmaniye you can find the Ataturk Parkı.
But there are also interesting things to discover in the area:
- Göksun Valley. A green valley winds its way up to the 1650 meter high pass near Göksun. Those who drive up this valley will find many places for excursions in picturesque surroundings. There are said to be wild deer still in the woods. In Ilica there is a "miracle spring" and an archaeological site.
- Reservoir. On the way there you pass the Menzelet Barajı reservoir.
activities
- Swimming. Here you can bathe in Turkish twice at the citadel. On the one hand there is the Agar Hamamı in all red and there is also the historical Çukur Hamamı.
- hike. The reservoir, the Ahır Dağı and the green surroundings are ideal for hiking.
- Shopping. See shopping, see cafes.
shop
Kahramanmaraş is a lively city full of shopping. The covered Bedesten and the adjoining bazaar district in particular have the best opportunities here
kitchen
It is known and loved all over Turkey: the ice cream from Kahramanmaraş. This is manually driven with a stick to a firmness that is more reminiscent of chewing gum than ice. Hard to imagine, but there have recently been world record attempts to determine how much weight you can pull out of ice with a rope without it traveling. But by the way, it also tastes good and is ultimately nibbled with pistachios in a waffle. In the Yasar Pastanesi everything started because it was here that ice cream was invented. That is why a visit to the Trabzon Caddesi to eat ice cream is an absolute must on every visit to Kahramanmaraş. There is also good cake here.
For those who want to eat out or who are looking for relaxation, there is only one thing here: the citadel. In the past, military purposes were pursued here, but today, with a beautifully furnished restaurant, café, tea garden and various small stalls, it is only used for relaxation and food with a view of the hectic city life. The restaurant in particular can convince with excellent service and dishes at reasonable prices. On public holidays there is often a huge buffet for 20 TL (all inclusive). The other restaurants in the center, however, are only mediocre.
For those who are ready to drive a bit, a trip to the Göksun Pass is recommended. On the way there you will not only be rewarded with beautiful scenery but also with several restaurants that offer fresh fish or game.
nightlife
accommodation
- Hotel Çavuşoğlu, Şeyh Adil Caddesi 12 / Kahramanmaraş. Tel.: 90 344 2144661, Fax: 90 344 2142303. Price: double room € 38.00 or € 48.00 with balcony.- Central, very well maintained and good service
- Otel Kazancı, Garajlar Caddesi / Kahramanmaraş. Tel.: 90 344 2234462, Email: [email protected]. Price: Double € 35.00.- Central
- Hotel Divan, Bostancı Sok / Kahramanmaraş. Tel.: 90 344 2219296. Price: double room € 10.00 or € 11.50 with TV.- Central, unpretentious with shared bathrooms
Learn
Work
security
health
Hospital or Health Facility-Devlet Hastanesi-Özel Caka Vatan Hastanesi-Kahramanmaraş Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı MerkeziHospital or Health Facility
Practical advice
- Tourist Information, at Ataturk Parkı. Tel.: 90 344 2351502.
Usually neither German nor English is spoken here. And since it is rare for tourists to get lost in this city, depending on their clothes and appearance, they can be noticed. But the residents are cosmopolitan and wave to you or not infrequently speak to you in a friendly manner. Children in particular excel at using the English skills they have gained in school. If you respond to these conversations, it can lead to a very enjoyable chat (including communication with hands and feet).
The post office is at the citadel. The national code is 0344.
trips
For a day trip, it is always worthwhile to head north in the direction of Göksun (see sights)
The cities are also great for a day trip Adıyaman, Gaziantep or Osmaniye within reach
Are you planning one or more nights? Cappadocia, Nemrut Dağı or the Mediterranean coast Adana reachable.
