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KUSADASI - SELCUK
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.
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.
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.
SELCUK
Selcuk;
The town, located on the western edge of the Aegean Region of
Turkey lies 73 kilometres south of Izmir on the Izmir-Aydin highway and 9
km.east of Pamucak, which is on the seashore and has clean natural sandy
beaches and crystal clear waters. Selçuk has an area of 295 square
kilometres. In the region Mediterranean climate is dominant. The
cultivation of cotton, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits is the driving
forces in the economy in addition to the tourism industry. The town can
house about 10.000 visitors.
The town can be reached by air via the Adnan Menderes Airport at
Izmir or by the Selçuk - Efes Airfield. The ports at Kusadasi and Izmir
facilitate sea travel. Because of it is location on a major highway; the
bus connections are frequent and direct. Selçuk has rail connections to
the neighbouring cities and towns. Selçuk, the beginning of whose history
dates back to 6000 B.C., is an important center for three religions, all
of which spread throughout the world.
It was first a center of pagan worship in the polytheist
world of antiquity. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the
World is a good example of this. Christianity was disseminated from Selçuk
by St. John and his disciples. The Church of Virgin Mary, the tomb of St.
John, The Church of Virgin Mary, which was the church where the Ecumenical
Council of 431 was held are important buildings from this period. Besides
there are many synagogues which have not been excavated yet.
The ancient site of Ephesus occupies an area of 18km2 and the
excavations have been carried for 130 years. Up to now only 10% of the
city has been unearthed and the rest still lies under the ground.
The Isa Bey Mosque, Isa Bey Baths and The Monumental Tomb (Kümbet) are
significant examples of architecture from the Islamic era.
Besides the historical richness around the area, Selcuk is worth seeing
with the places of superb natural beauty surrounding the town. The village
?Sirince? is the one that attracts every visitor with its spectacular view
from a mountain in the 8km east of Selcuk. The Camel Wrestling Festival,
performed in the third weekend of January lasting in one day, attract both
participants and visitors
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