History and Sights of Kusadasi

History

Everything in Kusadasi reminds of history, of dramatic events in the past of this region, of its ups and downs. Kusadasi itself, as well as nearby ancient cities - Ephesus, Miletus, Priene, Didim, Bafia lakes, Aphrodisias and Pamukkale - are historical monuments and heritage of all mankind.
The city of Kusadasi is located on the shores of the bay of the same name opposite the island of Gyuverchin. It is known that the first settlement in the area of ​​Turkey was founded in prehistoric times in a place called Kady Kale. It was built for trade with Ephesus, the islands of the Aegean Sea and for the parking of ships. Later, due to difficulties with the message, the city was moved to its current location. Ephesus and Kusadasi, which were the most western ports of Asia Minor on the Silk Road, connecting Europe with Asia, have always retained their importance. In the Byzantine period, a small island opposite the city was used as a military base, and in 1413 it became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The history of Kusadasi dates back many centuries, but the foundation of the city that we know today was laid in the 16th century by the Genoese and Venetians, who gave it a new name - Scala Nuova - “New Ladder”. Here they built roads, a large port and a fortress, which later for many years served as a refuge for the pirate Barbarossa and his two brothers. Barbarossa was a real tyrant of the entire Mediterranean - he robbed and drowned ships, captured sailors, whom he then sold as slaves in the Istanbul markets.
The symbol of the city of Kusadasi can rightly be considered the old Genoese fortress on Pigeon Island Gyuverdzhin, which was built here in the XVI century. This indescribable beauty of the fortress has an equally wonderful view - both from the shore and from the sea.
The name of the city of Kusadasi in translation means "Island of birds". He owes this name to a small island connected to the coast by a bulk road, on which for many centuries and even millennia, herons, pigeons and many other feathered witnesses to the history of Kusadasi nest.

Once a former pirate fortress, Kusadasi today has become a first-class resort. The magnificent beaches of Kusadasi, fashionable hotels, many bars and famous fish restaurants, picturesque shops selling oriental antiques, night clubs and discos - modern Kusadasi continues its history, but in a different, no less significant role.

Sights

Modern Kusadasi is considered to be the historical and cultural center of Turkey, and tourists from all over the world come here to take fascinating tours of the ancient ruins and see for themselves many ancient monuments. One of the main attractions of the region is the city-museum of Ephesus, preserved from ancient times, from the XI century BC. Ephesus is famous for the fact that 5 km away there is a sacred place for Christians from all over the world where the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived. According to legend, in this place she lived the last years of her life. There is also the tomb of St. John, to whom Christ bequeathed the care of his mother. Here in the VI century AD. e. the Byzantine emperor Justinian I erected a basilica over the grave of the apostle. Not far from the burial place of St. John is the place where the temple of Artemis is located - one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

To the south of Kusadas there is a road along the seashore, which will lead you to the ancient cities of Priene, Milet, Didim and Hierapolis. Priene was founded around 330 BC. and is an excellent example of urban planning. Miletus (480 BC) is known as a place of pilgrimage for tourists from around the world, who are attracted by the Temple of Apollo and the largest market square of the period of antiquity. It is also worth exploring the terms of Faustina and the Archaeological Museum.

The most significant monument in the city, which was built in 1618 by Okuz Mehmet Pasha, is a two-storeyed quadrangular caravanserai with shelters and rooms. Today Kervansaray is used as a tourist shopping center. Other historical landmarks are the Bath Cifte, the Stone Church with twelve arches and the Kaleici Mosque, a fortress on the island of Güvercin, built by the Ottomans in 1834.

You can also go on a trip to Izmir - the capital of fashion and the third largest city in Turkey, or go to Troy - the famous city of ancient Greek myths.

Tourists are invariably attracted by the national parks of Dilek and Davutlar, where silence and solitude reign, so happy are the people tired of the noise of city life. And for children, this is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the rich and diverse nature of Anatolia, its flora and fauna.