The Black Sea is an almost completely self-contained body of water in southeastern Europe, bordered by Turkey, Georgia, parts of Russia and the Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. The Bosporus strait connects it to the Sea of Marmara, which in turn spills into the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas -- making the coastal areas around the Black Sea key points of ancient trade for millennia. Everyone, it seems -- the Hittites, Thracians, Greeks, Persians, Byzantines and Romans -- to name just a few -- were active and thriving along these shores, building settlements, towns, military camps, and cities. Many cultures and kingdoms left their marks geographically, architecturally, and historically -- the remains and relics of which can still be seen along the shores of this mysterious and compelling place.
Formerly the capitol of four major empires and once called Constantinople, Istanbul is the third largest city in the world, positioned on the mighty Bosporus, straddling the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. It is a legendary city, where Christianity was advanced during Roman times, and where the Ottomans laid the final imperial claim in 1423. Because of its geography, proximity to the Silk Road, and placement on the sea route to the Mediterranean, Istanbul has an eclectic history, culture, and populace. Visitors from all over the globe come to see the glory of the Hagia Sophia, the opulence of the Ottoman Sultans' Topkapi Palace, and the Sultan Ahmed, or "Blue Mosque." Istanbul is a global city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its bazaars, art festivals, architecture, and entertainment, it is the fifth-most visited tourist destination in the world.
Hattusha was the capital of the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age, wielding enormous influence in Syria and the Anatolian region through the second century. Excavations began in 1906, and with the exception of a few interruptions during World War II, have continued to this day. The ancient city was enormous, covering nearly 2 miles of ground, and was built with an inner and outer fortified wall, the remains of which can still be seen today along with the ancient gates. Visitors can also tour the ruins of the Great Temple with its labyrinth of underground passages, the ruins of the Royal Palace, and the residences of the city's occupants during the period. Also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hattusha is a fascinating look at Bronze Age urbanization, planning, and development.
Located on the Black Sea coast in southwest Georgia, Batumi is the capital of the republic of Adjara and a busy industrial shipbuilding center. Built on the ancient Greek colony ruins of Bathys, its beautiful Botanical Gardens, beaches, and Aquarium draw visitors from all over the region. About 10 miles south is the seaside resort town of Gonio, where the massive Asparos fortress and Roman ruins bear witness to a layered and rich history still giving up secrets to archaeologists. Visitors can tour the castle grounds and see the foundations of bathhouses, cisterns, and barracks, as well as artifacts from several eras and rulers, including Emperors Tiberius, Nero, and Vespasian.
Founded in 600 B.C. and originally called Tomis, Constanta is the oldest living city in Romania, a country steeped in myth, mystery, and history -- one legend claims Jason and his Argonauts landed here after finding the Golden Fleece. The Romans conquered the city in 29 B.C.; Emperor Augustus banished the poet Ovid to live here in exile. The name was changed to honor the sister of Constantine the Great in A.D. 950. The city flourished under Roman rule until it was taken by the Ottomans in 1419, and after almost another 500 years was finally ceded back to Romania.
Visitors to this bustling port city are able to view the remains of the Roman mosaic walls and public baths, still standing after almost two millennium, and tour Archaeology Park's columns and other artifacts of third and fourth century life. Another significant stop is the Great Mahmoudye Mosque, built in 1910 with distinct Romanian and Byzantine elements -- making it an unusual and fascinating structure. The large Turkish carpet inside the mosque is one of the oldest in Europe, a gift from the Sultan Abdul Hamid and weighing over a thousand pounds. Other points of interest include Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral and The Casino.
