Turkey is one of the most populated countries in the world in terms of both area and population. In 2024, Turkey ranks 28th accounting for 1.1 percent of the world’s population. However, with a higher population density, some of its cities are the metropolitan and the largest cities in the world. Istanbul, the most beautiful city, is the most populated city in Turkey containing more than 11 million people. It is also the world’s eighth-largest city.
Turkey’s beautiful landscapes, beaches, and amazing natural beauty make it a divinely gifted country. Turkish food is famous all around the world for its deliciousness and variety. Turkey is a vibrant and youthful country, with half of the population being young. Turkey is a modern developed, and economically independent country. Every city in Turkey is beautiful in its way. However, the following are the most populated cities in Turkey:
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Top 10 Populated Cities In Turkey
According to a survey published by Turkstat, the following are the most populated cities In Turkey in 2023;
Sr. No. | Cities | Population (Millions) |
1 | Istanbul | 15.66 |
2 | Ankara | 5.8 |
3 | Izmir | 4.48 |
4 | Bursa | 3.21 |
5 | Antalya | 2.69 |
6 | Konya | 2.32 |
7 | Adana | 2.27 |
8 | Şanlıurfa | 2.21 |
9 | Gaziantep | 2.16 |
10 | Kocaeli | 2.1 |
1) Istanbul | 15.66 million
Istanbul is the largest and most populated city in Turkey. The population of Istanbul declined by 252,27 people in 2023 compared to 2022 reaching 15 million 655 thousand 924 people. Istanbul comprises 18.34% of Turkey’s total population, followed by Ankara. However, Turkey is not only the largest city of Turkey but also the cultural and economic hub of the country. Istanbul connects Asia and Europe and functions as a gateway between two continents.
It has a rich history, Istanbul (Constantinople) was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul has remarkable architecture and beautiful landscapes. The historical landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and the Bosphorus ride from the European side to Asia and vice versa are attractive places for tourists. Istanbul is a tourist city, every year millions of tourists visit Turkey.
2) Ankara | 5.8 Million
Ankara is Turkey’s second most populated city after Istanbul with 5 million 803 thousand 482 people. It is the administrative capital of the Republic of Turkey, containing all the important administrative institutions, ministries, and the parliament. Ankara is peaceful and has its vibrant charm. It has modern shopping malls, universities, and parks. It is an important industrial and commercial city in the country. The crime rate is lower in Ankara than in other cities. The Ankara Kulesi, Atatürk’s Mausoleum, Mavi Gol, Emir Golu, and many other picnic places catch the attention of locals and tourists.
3) Izmir | 4.48 Million
Izmir is the third most populated city of Tukey with 4 million 479 thousand 525 people. Izmir, which was previously known as Smyma, has a history of 8,500 years. The city is a frontier and popular among the top cities of Turkey and the second largest metropolitan area on the Aegean Sea.
It is a modern, developed, and economically and socially vibrant city. Since ancient times, the city has served as a major maritime hub in the Aegean region, and now, it is the country’s second-largest port. It is an ancient city that serves as an outdoor museum. This historic city doubles as an outdoor museum and it is home to figs, olives, and grapes. However, Izmir is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey, every year millions of tourists visit Izmir. The most famous places include Konak Square & Clock Tower, Kemeralti Bazaar, and Agora Open Air Museum.
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4) Bursa | 3.21 Million
Bursa is the fourth most populous city in Turkey with 3 million 214 thousand 571 people. Bursa, formerly Prusa, is an old city of Turkey, located in northwestern Anatolia close to the Marmara Sea. Bursa is renowned for its beautiful and green nature, trees, parks, and mountains that provide panoramic views. Bursa is also known as “Green Bursa” (Yeşil Bursa).
Bursa is also home to one of the world’s best delicious foods, Iskender Kebab, a famous Turkish cuisine. Bursa is significantly rich in religious structures and some magnificent displays of Ottoman architecture since it was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. By the 17th century, Bursa had gained worldwide recognition for its silk textiles, having grown into the hub of the silk trade during the 15th and 16th centuries. However, Bursa is one of the must-visit cities of Turkey as well.
5) Antalya | 2.69 Million
Antalya is the fifth most populous city in Turkey with 2 million 696 thousand 249 people. Antalya is located on the southwest coast of Anatolia and is enclosed by the Taurus Mountains. Antalya is Known as the “capital of tourism” in Turkey and an important element of the Turkish Riviera. It is the largest municipality in Turkey’s Mediterranean Region, which lies along the Mediterranean Sea.
Antalya is a city for tourism popularly known as the Turquoise Coast due to its blue waters. This amazing city is enveloped by forests and mountains filled with ancient ruins, magnificent waterfalls, and hiking trails. The city is Turkey’s major international seaside resort on the Turkish Riviera. Massive construction and funding from the government have made it a popular tourist attraction. Antalya currently ranks as the fourth-most visited city in the world, after only Istanbul, London, and Dubai, with more than 16.5 million international tourists estimated in 2023.
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6) Konya | 2.32 Million
Konya, also known as the city of Mevlana ranks 6th among the most populous cities in Turkey. Konya is an important municipality in central Turkey situated on the southwestern side of the Central Anatolian Plateau. It is the capital of Konya province. During the Seljuk period, it became known as Iconium.
As Konya is Mevlana’s city, it is a popular tourist destination for Sufis. It is a prosperous city industrially and economically. The Mevlana Mausoleum is the main attraction for visiting this city, as is the Karatay Medrese. The Karatay Medrese once served as a religious school and currently serves as a museum. Mevlana’s mausoleum was the last home of Mevlana. This city is the origin of the Mevlana Sufi school of Islam. The city is renowned as the “Citadel of Islam” due to its connection to religion. Another excellent sight in Konya is the Tropical Butterflies Park, which provides an incredible experience and is distinctive in the region, housing over 6000 butterflies.
7) Adana | 2.27 Million
Adana is the seventh most populous city with 2.27 million population and the largest city in Southern Turkey. The city lies 35 kilometers away from the northeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, on the Seyhan River. As the largest city in the Mediterranean Region, it serves as the administrative hub of the province of Adana.
Adana is situated in the heart of Cilicia, which was formerly one of the most crucial regions of the ancient world. Adana is the center for government-funded and private sectors, medical services, and trade across the region in the twenty-first century. Logistics and agriculture play major parts in the economy. Adana, famous for its citrus, cotton, and other crops, is a significant agricultural center due to the rich soils of the Çukurova region that surrounds it. The city has become known for its “Adana Kebab,” which is part of its extensive cuisine legacy.
8) Şanlıurfa | 2.21 Million
Şanlıurfa is the eighth most populous city in Turkey with 2.21 million people, also known as Urfa. It is situated in southeastern Turkey. It is also known as the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. In Urfa, religion is fundamental. The city is regarded as one of the most devout Islamic cities in Turkey and has become an epicenter of fundamentalist Islamic beliefs.
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9) Gaziantep | 2.16 Million
Gaziantep is also one of the top 10 most populous cities in Turkey with 2.16 million inhabitants. Gaziantep also known as Antep is situated in south-central Turkey, It is located partially in the Mediterranean Region and the westernmost part of the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey, it is the capital of the Gaziantep Province.
Gaziantep is well-known for its local specialties such as copperware and the region’s peculiar “Yemeni” footwear. The city functions as the center for the economies of Eastern and Southeast Turkey. 4 percent of Turkish industry is made up of large industrial firms that started in Gaziantep, whereas 6 percent is made up of small industries. In addition, Gaziantep leads in both imports and exports and maintains the country’s largest structured industrial sector.
10) Kocaeli | 2.1 Million
Kocaeli is the 10th most populous city in the country with 2.1 million people. Kocaeli is situated at the eastern edge of the Marmara Sea. The capital of Kocaeli is Izmit. Kocaeli shares boundaries with Istanbul, Bursa, the Marmara Sea, Sakarya, the Black Sea, and the city of Yalova. The border separating the provinces of Kocaeli and Istanbul stretches to the metropolitan region of Istanbul.
Numerous port facilities, such as the Gölcük Naval Base, have been made viable by the size and terrain of the Bay of İzmit. The region is often referred to as Turkey’s industrial center. Aviation for both military and civilian reasons operates at the Cengiz Topel Naval Air Station airfield in Kocaeli. The weather of Kocaeli is wonderful with sunny summers and cold winters. The Sapanca Gölü (Sapanca Lake), is a freshwater lake that is located near Kocaeli. The location is made attractive by this lake. Further, Seka Park, Yeni Cuma Cami, the Osman Hamdi Bey Museum, the Gayret Gemi Museum, and the Izmit Clock Tower, are must-see attractions in Kocaeli.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cities of Turkey, which have large populations, reflect the nation’s rich history, vibrant culture and diversity, and economic participation. Half of the population of Turkey is youth. The literacy rate in Turkey is the highest, most of the population is educated and contributes to the well-being and the development of the country. Further, Istanbul is the financial hub of the country containing major financial institutions and banks and a major center for regional and international trade. The second populous city Ankara is the country’s political hub with all governmental and political institutions. These urban cities have a large population and they are playing an important role in the industrial and economic growth of the country.
FAQs
What Is the Total Population of the Republic of Turkey?
The total Population of the Republic of Turkey is 85.372 million.
What Are the Three Most Populous Cities In Turkey?
The most populous city in Turkey is Istanbul followed by Ankara and İzmir.
What Are the Three Least Populated Cities In Turkey?
According to TurkStat 2023, Bayburt, Tunceli, and Ardahan are the three least populated cities in Turkey.
Which City Is the Financial Hub of Turkey?
Istanbul is the financial hub of Turkey.
Which City Is the Agricultural Center of Turkey?
Adana and Konya are the agricultural centers of Turkey. Adana is known for citrus, cotton, and food processing while Konya is the center for grain production.
What Are the Must-Visit Cities of Turkey?
Due to its location, Turkey is one of the most beautiful countries in the world containing both Asian and European Cultures. Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Bursa, Cappadocia, Konya, and Bodrum are the must-visit cities in Turkey.