|
ABOUT KUSADASI
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 546 BC. In 200 BC 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
Pigeonisland. |
|
EPHESUS
Ephesus, once the most important commercial center
of the western Anatolia , is one of the highlights of Turkey that awaits the
exploring tourists. The city was established as a port on the mouth of the river
Cayster and was one of the foremost cities of the world for its being on a
strategic trade route in Anatolia.
The city itself and the ruins are all on the
sides of a fertile valley. The extensive ruins including the theatre, library or
gymnasium create the special atmosphere of Ephesus, and appeal to every visitors.
Ephesus has been a "center" during the date.
Once a trade center of the ancient world , a religious center of the early
Christianity and today, a unique tourism center proving all its perfectas to the
visitors through the world.
There is as yet no definite
knowledge about the exact date of the foundation of Ephesus, but famous
historians such as Strabon and Pausanias, agreed in the idea of that Ephesus was
founded by Amazons, and inhabited by the oldest settlers of Anatolia-Lelegians
and Carians, as early as 3000 BC.
|
 |
Ephesus was controlled by the Romans in 190 BC. The
city was given to the Bergamian kings for a time. With the death of King Attalos
3 in 133BC, the city was re-ruled by the Romans. Ephesus reached to its height
and was notorious for its wealth and luxury between 1-4 AD., especially during
the reign of Augustus. During the period, the population of Ephesus increased to
225 000, and the city became the capital of the new Asia. By cleaning the river
Caystros from the alluviums, the great trade port of Ephesus, a gateway to
foreign countries, enriched the prosperity of the city and continued to thrive
with commerce and culture. The city was constructed, adding new models to the
former magnificence of Ephesus. "Celcius Library" clearly exemplifies the
perfecta of the era, with the delicate details of the construction.
Ephesus has played significant roles during
the date, in the early Christianity, as well. The prestige of Ephesus increased
with the arrival of Saint Paul, for spreading the Christianity to the Ephesians
worshipping to Artemision. St. Paul and the disciplines of Christianity were
strictly refused by Ephesians, elderly. With the long tiring struggles of St.
Paul, Christianity was accepted by the most of the population around Ephesus. St.
Paul had also sent one of his most famous letters to the church in Ephesus.
Additionally, St. Jean
and Virgin Mary visited Ephesus and
Virgin Mary
settled down the Mount Bulbul, located close to Ephesus, around the years of 431
AD.
Ephesus became a state of Seljukian in the
year of 1090, for a time was held by Byzantine. In 1307 Seljukians controlled
the city again. However, years later, the River Caystros was silted up, leaving
the site far inland. Therefore, the city of Ephesus has lost its significance,
due to the development of the ports of Izmir and Kusadasi in sea-trade.
Ephesus is located 18 km away from
Kusadasi and it may be reached easily by Kusadasi- Selcuk minibuses. But it is
advisable to visit this eye-catching site with the professional guides provided
by the agencies of Kusadasi.
|
 |
The other most famous historical places aroun are The greek city
of Preinne, The Temple of Apollo at
Didyma and
the ancient port of Miletus are also well worth seeing. When
you want a break from culture, take an aegean cruise or go on a
Jeep
Safari.
|
 |
Tell a Friend to Visit
|
