REGIONAL KNOWLEDGE


AEGEAN REGION:

A brief information insight about the Aegean region which is situated in the western part of Turkey. The Aegean Sea extends from the Mediterranean northward between Greece and Turkey. This region has been a home for many civilizations there are many ancient cities such as Aphrodisias, Pergamum, Thyatira and more.

KUSADASI:

One of Turkey's principle holiday resorts offers an excellent and unforgettable holiday and living environment. Situated on the west coast of Turkey- 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed to be one of the most attractive cities along the Aegean coast, it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, Miletos- the principals of ancient times, 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
The nearest airport to Kusadasi, is the "Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport" - amongst the most qualified airports of Turkey with its capacity and facilities, is about 80 km away from Kusadasi. Including Turkish National Airlines, many accredited international airlines have regular direct and connected flights from and to international Izmir Airport.  

From the airport, you may reach Kusadasi by bus from the Izmir central bus station every 30 minutes. Also, many travel agencies in Kusadasi organize reasonable transfers to and from Kusadasi.  

AROUND KUSADASI


SELCUK:

Selcuk has been reputed for its closeness to the ancient Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House and Seljukian works of art. Besides the historical richness around the area, Selcuk has so many places of superb natural beauty surrounding the town.

SIGHT-SEEING OF SELCUK

The Basilica of Saint John:

The church is constructed in the burial place of Saint John the Divine. Then ,the original mausoleum is changed into a marvellous Basilica during the reign of Justinianus (527-565AD)

Isa Bey Mosque:

Isa Bey Mosque is one of the most delicate examples of Seljukian architecture, situated below the Basilica of Saint John. It was constructed between the years of 1374 and 1375. An inscription from the God decorates the doorway.

The Citadel of Ayasoluk:

It is built in the Byzantine period and expanded by the Seljukians. The citadel has 15 towers approximately in the length of 1.5 km and surrounded by the stone ramparts.
 
The Selcuk Archeological Museum:

Housing some very important artefacts from around the region, Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse of the areas rich history. The two statues of Artemis, a tableau of Odysseus blinding the Cyclops, erotic statues from Ephesus brothels and exquisite statue of a boy riding a dolphin are the most admired pieces in the Selcuk Archaeological Museum.

The Temple of Artemis:

One of the great highlights of ancient sites in Turkey once considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The main part of the temple is displaying in the British Museum of London today, but only the foundation part and some columns are enough to prove its former magnificence.
The House of Virgin Mary  
a popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics, where Virgin Mary spends the rest of her life and dies. Located on top of Bulbul Mountain, it also gives the visitors a panoramic view over the tow

EPHESUS:

Ephesus, once the most important commercial centre 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, and appeal to every visitor. Once a trade centre of the ancient world, a religious centre of the early Christianity and today, a unique tourism centre proving all its perfectas to the visitors through the world.

NATIONAL PARK (since 1960's)

The ideal place to escape from the bustle of the town is to have a well-merited resting beach afternoon in the national park of Kalamaki in the "Dilek Peninsula ". Located approx. 30 km South of Kusadasi, it is only 1-2 km far from the Greek island of Samos.

CAVE OF ZEUS

The cave is on the way to the National Park. The Cave of Zeus is hidden from view, serving as a "secret" place.

DAVUTLAR

“The most beautiful place under the sky, we have ever know on earth and the place where the finest climate is ever enjoyed” This description was given for the Aegean coasts by the famous historian Herodotus, Davutlar is a corner of paradise with its nature, sun, water and air, “those who live here are very lucky people indeed” quoted by the Mayor of Davutlar. Situated 15km south of Kusadasi, on the way to the National Park, Davutlar is covered in the contrasting greens pines and olive trees around the Mount Samson, providing a good accommodation for rarely found trees aged 300 to 350 years,  and with truly historical places. The town is famous for its fragrant fruits & vegetables grown on the fertile lands. Peach, tangerine, tomato and watermelon are the principle support of the town's agricultural economy. Also the hot springs and thermal bath, with their pleasurable and beneficial effects, attract many visitors

Natural Thermal Spring Water:

Turkey is one of the 7 countries in the world with thermal source richness with almost 1300 thermal springs throughout Anatolia. The existence of seismic faults makes the country very rich in this aspect. The temperature of these hot springs varies between 20-110 degrees Celsius (68-230 Fahrenheit), and their flow is between 2-500 litres per second. Turkey uses only a small percentage of the country's potential in terms of mineral springs; today the Ministry of Tourism and private investors are contributing more to Turkey's map of natural thermal spring water in relation to tourism.