Tekirdag, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of just over 203,000, Tekirdag is a commercial hub on Turkey's Marmara coast, but one that lacks the old-world charm many expats crave. The city's port and agricultural industries drive its economy, though trade has suffered as nearby Alexandroupolis became the main freight terminus. While the climate is Mediterranean, with hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters, the area is no stranger to snowfall. And bureaucracy remains a persistent headache, as evidenced by the city's shifting administrative status over the centuries. For those seeking an authentic Turkish experience outside the glitz of Istanbul, Tekirdag may not be the ideal destination.