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8 places to visit in the Malkara district of Tekirdağ: Malkara Castle, Malkara Plain and Ömer Bey Tomb. Plan your trip to Malkara with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Malkara is a district of Tekirdağ province, lying about 56 km west of the provincial centre. Its area of 1,243 km² makes it the largest district in Tekirdağ province by land area, and its population is 50,123. The average elevation of the district centre is 260 metres above sea level.

History

The name Malkara comes from the Persian words ‘mar’ (snake) and ‘gar’ (cave), meaning ‘cave of snakes’. It is said that during the reign of the Persian King Serhas I, a castle was built on Gürgen Hillside very close to Malkara. During the reign of Mehmed II, Malkara would become the centre of the akıncı raiders.

Geography

There are no high mountains or valleys in the district. Its land is generally eroded, and seen from the hills it has the appearance of a plateau with semi-plain features. The Tekir Mountains, the most important mountain range in Tekirdağ province, are 25 km from Malkara. Because of the district’s surface features it has no large rivers, but streams feed its dams and ponds. The district has a continental climate, with cold, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The average annual rainfall is 500 millimetres.

History and Culture

Malkara remained attached to Gelibolu until 1870, when it was attached to the Tekfurdağ Sanjak in Edirne province. It was occupied for the first time under Turkish rule during the 1828 Ottoman–Russian War. Malkara was occupied by the Bulgarians on 9 November 1912. It was rescued from ruins by the troops of Mustafa and Enver Pashas on 14 July 1913. Because the old road from Salonica to Istanbul passed through Malkara, it became an important centre for accommodation. Evliya Çelebi noted in his Seyahatname that Malkara was famous for its kaşkaval (kaşar cheese).

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Places to Visit in Malkara

  • 4 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Other

Historic Sites 4

Historic

Malkara Castle

The castle ruins on the hill above the district centre date from the Byzantine period. Its walls still show loopholes and towers, traces of defensive architecture.

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Historic

Ömer Bey Tomb

The tomb of Ömer Bey, the Akıncı commander, stands in the courtyard of the mosque that bears his name. It was built in the classical Ottoman style.

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Historic

Martyrs' Monument

A monument erected in memory of those killed during the occupation of Malkara by the Bulgarians on 9 November 1912.

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Historic

Kumardaş Hill (castle site)

According to Wikipedia, this is the site of a castle built by a commander named Kumardaç; today it is called Kumardaş Hill.

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Ancient Cities 1

Ancient City

Kermeyan Tumulus

On the border of Kermeyan village, this is the most famous tumulus near the ancient city of Apri. The municipality's page states that it may have been built in the Roman era.

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Natural Wonders 2

Nature

Malkara Plain

The Malkara Plain, known for its wide agricultural fields, is a fertile area where sunflowers and wheat are grown.

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Nature

Pişman Grove

A wooded recreation and picnic area adjoining Yenidibek village, 18 km from the district. People visit in spring and autumn.

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Other Places 1

Other

Karacahalil Bird Hill

Counted among the municipality's recreation and picnic spots, it is a place where locals picnic and stroll.

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Places to Visit Around Tekirdağ Province

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While you are in Malkara, you can also see the highlights of Tekirdağ province. These places are in other districts; Malkara is about 60 km from the provincial centre.

  • Rakoçi Museum — A house operating as a museum since 1982, in a reconstruction of the house where Francis II Rákóczi lived in exile between 1720 and 1735; it has been donated to the Hungarian state.
  • Tekirdağ Seafront — The city's waterfront on the Marmara coast, landscaped with a long seaside promenade and beaches.
  • Şarköy Seafront — A fishing and holiday town on the Marmara coast, at the foot of Mount Işıklar.
  • Mürefte — A winegrowing and wine town in the Şarköy district, 90 km from the centre of Tekirdağ; it is surrounded by vineyards on the slopes of Mount Işıklar.
  • Namık Kemal House Museum — A museum in a reconstruction of a 19th-century house, opened on 21 December 1993 and dedicated to the life and works of the poet Namık Kemal.
  • Tekirdağ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum — A museum founded in 1967 and housed in the Governor's Mansion (Valikonağı) since 28 December 1992; it displays archaeological and ethnographic works from the province and its surroundings.

Practical Information for Visiting Malkara

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
8 places

What to Eat in Malkara

Food guide →

  • Malkara Eski Kaşar Peyniri (Malkara aged kaşar cheese)

    Malkara Eski Kaşar Peyniri was registered as a protected designation of origin on 6 December 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 261). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Malkara Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • Tekirdağ Köftesi (Tekirdağ meatballs)

    Tekirdağ meatballs are also served in Malkara according to the traditional recipe. This dish has an important place on local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes.

  • Trakya Ciğeri (Thracian fried liver)

    Fresh beef liver fried in thin slices. Prepared using recipes passed down from generation to generation, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home-style restaurants.

  • Tarhana Çorbası

    Featured on the Malkara Cuisine page, which describes two kinds of tarhana: sweet and sour.

  • Orakçı Çorbası

    A soup featured on the Malkara Cuisine page, in which chopped green herbs are fried in oil and then water is added.

  • Tavuklu Mantı (chicken dumplings)

    Mantı described on the Malkara Cuisine page, prepared with onion, bulgur and chicken.

  • Malkara Cheeses

    Because Malkara has received migrants and because of the local population's food culture, the area has a rich abundance of food.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Malkara

  • Agricultural Culture

    Thanks to its fertile plain, Malkara is a district where agricultural culture is strong. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local population's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Sunflower — Malkara is one of Thrace's leading sunflower production centres.
  • Cheese — White cheese production is widespread in Malkara. Malkara cheese is known for its quality.

Economy

Malkara's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Sunflowers, wheat and cheese production are the main sources of income.

How to Get to Malkara

Malkara is 60 km from Tekirdağ city centre and 40 km from Keşan.

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Malkara: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Malkara?

The 8 highlights of Malkara: Malkara Castle, Malkara Plain, Ömer Bey Tomb, Martyrs' Monument, Pişman Grove, Kermeyan Tumulus, Karacahalil Bird Hill and Kumardaş Hill (castle site).

What should I eat in Malkara?

Malkara Eski Kaşar Peyniri, Tekirdağ Köftesi, Trakya Ciğeri and Tarhana Çorbası are the standout dishes on the tables of Malkara.

What is Malkara famous for?

Malkara is known for Sunflower and Agricultural Culture. Malkara is one of Thrace's leading sunflower production centres.

How do I get to Malkara?

Malkara is 60 km from Tekirdağ city centre and 40 km from Keşan.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Malkara?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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