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Travel Ephesus |
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Around Ephesus |
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Kusadasi |
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The early settlements in Kusadasi is by the
Lelegians and Carians who moved from the central
Anatolia around the year of 3000BC. They were the
establishers of a colony on the skirts of Pilav
Mountain in Kusadasi, and founded the cities Ania
and Melia. Mild climate allowed the inhabitants to
grow essential products such as olive, grape and
figs for extracting oil or making wine and sweets on
the fertile lands around the city.
In the 10th century BC "12 Ionian Cities "-Samos, Khios, Miletos, Priene,
Ephesus, Teos, Erythrai, Priena, Klazonemi, Lebedos,
Phokaia, Colophon, Smyrna, were established and
reputed for the most developed cities of that age.
Asthe annual meeting place of the Ionian League,
Panionian, was founded around Kusadasi; the cities
of Phygale, Marathesion and Neopolis were
established within the borders of the city. During
the period, the ports of Phygale and Neopolis were
not busy and necessary, as they were close to the
famous trading centers and ports, Miletos and
Ephesus.
The city was invaded by Persians around the year of 546BC. In 200BC
Kusadasi and its environs were dominated by the
Roman Empire, and with the division of the Roman
Empire, became a state of Byzantine. As the changes
in climate caused serious earthquakes and changed
the route of Caystros River, Ephesus was mostly
destroyed and lost its prior importance and
prosperity. The result had forced Byzantines to
search for a new port and a new road that would be
suitable for trading. The area around Neopolis was
found convenient by the Greek, Jewish, and Armenian
merchants as a port in place of the port of Ephesus.
"Scala Nova" was the name of this new port which
added a new trading center to the prior historical
cities such as Ania, Melia, Phygale and Neopolis,
that have created the early foundations of today's
Kusadasi. By the coming of the 15th century, "Scala
Nova" was under the domination of the Venetian and
Genoese sailors and traders who established
consulates here.
The Turkish domination in the area entered upon the invasion of Seljukian
Kilic Arslan the 2nd. The advantageous position of
Kusadasi as its being at the end of the important
trade roads such as Silk Road -once held by Ephesus,
influenced the development of the city in trading,
positively.
Kusadasi began to be ruled by the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of
Sultan Mehmet Celebi in the year of 1413. During the
reign of Ottomans, Kusadasi was introduced to
glorious structures, giving a new look to its former
spectacular view. Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is
the principal of Ottoman architecture in the city,
was built by the man of the same name, who was the
vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and
Osman2. The fortress gates &walls and many mosques
in the center of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of
the castle in Pigeon Island, were built in the
Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style
of the era. "Kusadasi " that means "bird island"
took its name from the Pigeon Island.
After the First World War, Kusadasi was invaded by the Greeks (1919). The
city won a long struggle for in 1922 and became a
part of Turkish Republic. Izmir was the capital of
Kusadasi until 1954. Then the capital was changed to
Aydin and the city of Kusadasi has shown a good deal
of development, especially in tourism.
Today, Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centers; a
perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches
and glassy water. The contrast of the lively holiday
life with the quietness of ancient ruins create the
special atmosphere of the city.
Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principle holiday resorts, offers an excellent
environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated
on the west coast of Turkey- 90km south of Izmir,
Kusadasi, is reputed for one of the most attractive
city of the Aegean, as it is close to the important
historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene,
Miletos-the principals of ancient times, and ideal
for sightseers.
Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild
winters, providing a long tourism season.The city is
bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.
Numerous powdery sandy beaches with warm&clear waters, providing a
peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of water
and beach facilities. Windsurfing, water skiing,
sailing and beach volley are only a few choice for
the lovers of active life. After sunbathing
restfully during the day, the city awaits the superb
sunset. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and
restaurants through the palm-lined boulevard, get
busier. It is a great delight to watch the comings
and goings of the yachts and ships with
accompanience of the panoramic view of the sunset,
on a pre-drink before the dinner. The restaurants,
serving a variety of fresh seafood &fish and Aegean
specialties, offer a delicious meal in Kusadasi.
Dancing and entertaining at a lively bar or a disco
until dawn, may end an ideal day in Kusadasi.
According to the latest datum in 1995, the number of inhabitants in
Kusadasi is about 50000. The population, consisting
99% Turks, increases rapidly with the beginning of
the tourism season. The city has shown a rapid
development an incredible growth since from the
1970's, with the introducing of tourism.
The Kusadasi Setur Marina is one of the largest and best equipped marinas
in Turkey with the capacity of 629 yachts both a
float and on shore, visited between 2500-3000 boats
each year. The marina is on the latitude of 37 52'
20''N and on the longitude of 27 15' 46''E. Custom,
repair service, security are some of the 24 hour
services in the marina.
Apart from the great historical beauties around Kusadasi, the city is
also preserves excellent examples of Ottoman and
Turkish mosques, located in the centum. "The
Fortress Mosque", built by the vizier Okuz Mehmet
Pasa in the 17th century, is the most impressing and
monumental mosque in Kusadasi. Constructed in the
area of 1800m2, the mosque has 550 person capacity.
The main part of mosque is square-planned and
covered by a large leaden dome- with the supports of
12 arches. Inner part of the dome is ornamented by
geometrical designs and plant motives. The entrance
door exemlifies the best of wood- working of
Ottoman, decorated with mother of pearl. Between the
16 stained-glass windows, are the oil paintings
decorated with Ion styled columns. "The Hanim
Mosque" was constructed in1658 in the name of Haji
Hatice Hatun, but was destroyed in 1922. The mosque
was rebuilt by the inhabitants of Kusadasi between
the years of 1951-57. The foundation walls of the
minaret belong to the original construction. The
simply decorated mosque is surrounded by a leaden
dome. "Haji Ibrahim Mosque" exemplifies a different
17 century style of Ottoman architecture. The wooden
ceiling of rectangular planned mosque is covered by
roof tiles. "The Turkmen Mosque" and "The Camiatik
Mosque" are the other sights located inside the
centre of Kusadasi, in different districts. |
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Ephesus Yesterday & Today |
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