A Brief History and Overview of Kirklareli, Turkey

Kirklareli is located in the Eastern Thrace. This is on the European part of Turkey. The city sits on the border with Edirne to its west, Tekirdag to its south, Istanbul to the south-east, the Black Sea to it’s east, and Bulgaria to the north.

It’s not known when exactly Kirklareli was founded but the city was once called the “Forty Churches” or Kirk Kilise. The name comes from 14^th century Greek Byzantines. The city was seriously damaged during the Greek War of Independence by Turks and Greeks while it was under Bulgarian control. During the Balkan Wars the Bulgarians occupied the city again.

The Greeks took over after World War I and Turks took over Kirk Kilise during the Turkish War for Independence on November 10, 1922. There was a population exchange agreement signed between Turkey and Greece in 1923. Greeks living in the city were exchanged for Turks and the name Kirk Kilise officially changed to Kirklareli on December 20, 1924.

There are numerous ways to get to Kirklareli. Istanbul connects to the city via highway and is only 209 km away. So, this makes visiting via car or bus very easy. In fact, there are numerous buses that travel frequently from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. If you would rather travel by sea there are private boats that travel on the coastal region. When you travel inside the city the best way to see the city is on foot. However, there are plenty of busses driving around the city.

If you do plan to walk the city just keep in mind that it is hot during the summer and cold during the winter. You’ll want to dress accordingly.

There is one very modern and very popular holiday dialysis center right in the middle of Kirklareli province, and on the main O-3 / E80 highway that runs through Kirklareli. Contact one of the Diaverum Holiday Travel Coordinators to make your appointments for your entire Turkish holiday.