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. The average
air&water temperatures for Kusadasi are 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.
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 average air&water temperatures for Kusadasi are 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.
KAccording 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 centrum. "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 examplifies
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.
Pigeon Island: with its gleaming image, really deserves to be symbol
of Kusadasi. The eye-catching view of the island, uniting with the panoramic colors
of sunset attract every visitors. As the island was much-frequented place of birds
during the seasonal migrations, it was named as Bird Island. In the times of Ottomans,
the name of the island was given to the town and the town was started to be called
as "Kusadasi" (Bird Island). Since then, the name of the island was changed into
"Pigeon Island". The island was used for military purposes during the Ottoman Era
and before, as the location of the island was strategic for securing the shores
or preventing the attacks from the sea. The Byzantine castle standing on the rocks,
used against pirates, is known as "Pirate Castle". Pigeon Island, unlike its name,
is now connected to the land by a mole. But, it is even an ideal place providing
a wonderful opportunity for relaxation. Within the borders of the impressive castle,
you may watch the charming yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy waters of Kusadasi
or sit in one of the restaurants by the shore and sample fresh sea-food or other
Aegean specialties with the panoramic view of Kusadasi and enjoy the unforgettable
times in Kusadasi.
Mosque and Caravanserai (Kervansaray) : Kaleici Mosque was constructed
in 1618 by Vizier Okuz Mehmet Pasha, and the Caravanserai with the same name was
also built during the same period. In the Caravanserai, you can observe the artillery
holes on the external walls which were made in order to protect the city against
pirates.
PYGELA: KPigeon Iceland, with its gleaming image, really deserves
to be symbol of Kusadasi. The eye-catching view of the island, uniting with the
panoramic colors of the sunset take every visitor. Since the island was much-frequented
place of birds during their seasonal migrations, it was named as Bird Iceland. In
the times of the Ottomans, the name of the island, where in the city and the city
has started to be as “Kusadasi” (Bird Iceland) is called. Since then, the name of
the island in “Pigeon Iceland” was changed. The island was used for military purposes
during the Ottoman era and still used, as was the location of the island is of strategic
importance in securing the shores or preventing the attacks from the sea. The Byzantine
castle that used on the rocks, against pirates, is known as “Pirate Castle”. Pigeon
Iceland, in contrast to its name, is now the country connected by a mole. But it
is also an ideal place offers a wonderful opportunity for relaxation. Within the
limits of the impressive castle, you can watch the charming yachts peacefully on
the glassy water Kusadasi or sit in one of the restaurants on the shore and sample
fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties with the panoramic view of Kusadasi and
enjoy the unforgettable times in Kusadasi
PANIOMION : Located northwest of Priene, on the northeast corner
of Dilek peninsula, near today’s Guzelcamli, stood Panionion, as an important annual
meeting place of the Ionian League. Panionion is significant for its being the oldest
unity of the colonies in the world. The league was a political union, and was consisted
of the members from the "12 Ionian Colonies". Years later, the city of Smyrna(Izmir)
joined the league. The meeting in Panionion was usually after the harvest. The members
were sharing their or problems about business, art, farming and sea trade for improving
their own cities or finding reasonable solutions to their problems.
Kaleici Mosque : was built for an Ottoman statesman Okuz Kara Mehmet
Pasha who was also a military commander of the early 17th century. The building
was constructed in 1681.
National Park : This beauty of the mother nature is in Guzelcamli
town, which is 23 km away from Kusadasi centrum. One must surely see the Kalamaki
beaches, count of several bays the most important ones being Icmeler, Kavakli and
Karapinar. Here you can see different species of plants, birds, flowers and wild
animals. Içmeler, the largest bay of the parc and the nearest to the entrance, has
the only sandy beach, since the water is shallow here, is prefered by families with
children. The park offers many alternatives for its visitors. There are public lavatories,
showers, drinking water fountains, and wooden picnic tables and chairs in the woods
besides the restaurants in the bays just in case if you prefer proper meals instead
of having a picnic with cold food that you bring along because it’s absolutely forbidden
to light fires in the park. If you don’t like swimming you can go for a walk amongst
the pine, linden and chestnut trees to see the Dalmatian pelikan, pygmy cormorant,
and if you are lucky the wild horses, go rock climbing, or fishing.
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. The average air&water temperatures for Kusadasi are 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 centrum. "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 examplifies 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.
Did You Know
The only city in the world located on two continents is Istanbul that has been the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman for more than 2000 years.
The oldest known human settlement, dating back to 6500 bc is in Catalhoyuk, near Konya in the central Anatolian region of Turkey. The earliest landscape painting in history exists on a wall of a Catalhöyük house. It shows the eruption of a volcano, probably that of nearby Hasandag.
Two of the seven ancient wonders of the world stood in Anatolia: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the mausoleum at Halicarnassus - Bodrum.
The first coins were minted at Sardis, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia in Western Anatolia, at the end of the 7th century bc. Lydia is the first known civilization in the world to use money as a means of exchange.
Many important events in the birth of Christianity occured in Turkey, apostles St. John, St. Paul and St. Peter have all lived and preached in Anatolia. About three miles away in the forested mountain above Ephesus is the House of Virgin Mary (Meryemana Evi), a modest stone house where the Virgin Mary lived her last days. It is believed that St. John brought Mary to this site after Christ's crucifixion. The Vatican declared the house of the Virgin Mary a holy site in 1967.
The Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, are all located in Anatolia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea
Antioch, once called the "Queen of the East" and known as the third largest city of the Roman empire, played a key role in the spread of Christianity. St Paul began his three missionary journeys from there and it was at Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. A cave known today as the grotto of St. Peter or the Church of St. Peter is believed to be where the apostle Peter preached when he lived in Antioch. In 1963, the Papacy designated the site as a place of pilgrimage and also recognized it as the world's first cathedral.
Anatolia is the birthplace of many historic legends, such as: the powerful phrygian King Midas, the world's first historian Heredotus and St Paul, the apostle. Archeologists from the Pennsylvania museum opened the tomb of King Midas in 1957. They discovered some of the earliest and best preserved wooden furniture in the world.
St. Nicholas, known today as Santa Claus, was born in Patara and served as Bishop of Myra (Demre) on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It is believed that Nicholas died in Myra on December 6th at the age of 65. The village is home to the famous Church of St. Nicholas which houses a sarcophagus believed to be the original tomb of St. Nicholas.
According to The Old Testament, the patriarch Abraham was born in Sanli Urfa, a city in southeast Turkey. The city's ancient name was Ur or Edessa. A cave there is thought to be Abraham's birthplace. It has become a place of pilgrimage and is now surrounded by the Halil Rahman mosque.
Trojan wars, depicted in Homer's epic Iliad took place in western Turkey in about 1200 bc. A symbolic wooden horse at the site commemorates this legendary war.
According to the legend of the great flood mentioned in both the Koran and The Old Testament, Noah's Ark landed at Mount Ararat (Agri Dagi) in eastern Anatolia. For centuries scientists have launched expeditions on the mountain's slopes in search of the remains of Noah's Ark.
The word "turquoise" comes from "turk" meaning Turkish, and was derived from the beautiful colour of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern Turkish coast.
Coffee was first brought to Istanbul from Yemen in the 16th century. It was in Turkey that a new method of preparing ground coffee -now called Turkish coffee- was invented and turks introduced this new drink prepared in their own way to Europe by the 17th century. Pierre Loti, Victor Hugo, Dumas, Moliere and Balzac are among those who are known to have admired Turkish coffee. Drinking coffee is still an essential element of Turkish culture.
Tulips were introduced to Holland from Turkey by Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq that started the craze for the flower in the Netherlands and England. He was the ambassador of Charles V to the court of Ottoman Emperor Süleyman the Magnificent in 1554.