Tekirdag province is on the Marmara Sea coast of Thrace, and has been settled from the beginning of history. Its ancient name was Bisanthe, while today's name originates from the color of the surrounding mountains. There are several historical places in the city; one of them is the Rakoczy Museum, a Turkish house dating from the 17th century built by Hungarian prince Ferenc Rakoczy II in 1720, who lived here until his death in 1735. The Rustem Pasha mosque, the Tekirdag Museum and the statue of Namik Kemal, a celebrated patriotic poet who was born in the city, are other sights to visit in Tekirdag.
Çorlu, a small town of Tekirdag province, was a citadel on the ancient road between Istanbul and Europe during the Byzantine period.
Marmara Ereglisi is ideal for getting use of the sea and the beaches. Its ancient names were Perinthos or Heraklia. The acropolis, antique harbor, sea and city walls, theater, vaults and stadium are the main historical remains here. There are several summer houses along its shores where people from nearby provinces flock here for summer vacations.
Sarköy, located 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of the province, is a sun-sea-sand resort with sandy beaches and holiday villages. It is also a wine production center where a wine festival is held every year. Kumbag and Barbaros are other pleasant places with their long beaches.
Tekirdag has a big commercial port on the Marmara Sea and is famous for its sunflowers, meatballs (kofte in Turkish Cuisine) and alcoholic Raki.