This Mediterranean city in Turkey has cedar forests, thermal springs, and a 12th-century Seljuk fortress. Local markets sell traditional crafts and regional foods.
Isparta, a city of 247,580 residents in western Turkey, is the center of Turkey's rose oil production. Each May, pink Damascus roses fill the fields around the city. You can walk through pine forests in Lake Kovada National Park, pray at the 16th-century Firdevs Pasa Mosque designed by master architect Sinan, or swim in Lake Egirdir while looking at the snow-capped mountains.
Rose Production in Isparta
The fields around Isparta produce 60% of the world's rose oil, extracted from Rosa damascena flowers. Local farmers harvest the roses before sunrise in May and June when the oil content is highest. The process requires nearly 10,000 roses to create just 5 milliliters of oil, making it one of the most expensive essential oils in the world. Visit Sebat or Gülbirlik rose producers between 5 AM and 8 AM to join the harvest, learn about distillation, and buy rose products like lotions, oils, and soaps.
Getting to Isparta
Turkish Airlines flies daily between Istanbul and Süleyman Demirel Airport, 30 km from Isparta's center. Buses run from Istanbul (11 hours) and Antalya (2 hours). The city sits 130 km north of Antalya and 350 km south of Eskişehir.
Climate and Seasons
Winter temperatures drop below freezing with frequent snow, while summer days reach 30°C (86°F). The surrounding lakes moderate the temperature throughout the year. Visit in May and June to see the rose harvest and enjoy mild weather. July and August bring dry heat, while December through February sees regular snowfall.
Lakes and Natural Areas
At Lake Kovada National Park, you can swim in the 15°C mountain streams or fish for trout. The 10-kilometer hiking trail circles the lake through pine and juniper forests, with rest areas every 2 kilometers. At Lake Egirdir, Turkey's second-largest freshwater lake, you can rent kayaks, swim at the public beach, or catch pike and carp. Walk across the causeway to Yeşil Ada island, where family-run restaurants serve fresh fish and local vegetables.
Historical Buildings
The Firdevs Pasa Mosque, built in 1561 by Ottoman architect Sinan, stands in the city center. After earthquake damage in 1914, restorers preserved its original marble mihrab and wooden doors. The Aya Payana Church from 1750 reflects the city's Greek Orthodox past, with its stone walls and bell tower still intact despite needing interior renovation.
Food and Local Products
Isparta's farmers grow 23.4% of Turkey's apples, mainly in the Eğirdir, Gelendost, and Senirkent districts. Local restaurants serve tandır kebab (slow-cooked lamb), lake fish grilled with herbs, and desserts made with rose syrup. Markets and shops throughout the city sell rose jam, rose Turkish delight, and essential oils made from the local harvest.
