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The Aegean Coast |
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The Aegean Shores of Turkey are among the
loveliest landscape in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the
clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by
olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods.
Whether you prefer idyllic fishing harbours, popular holiday villages or the
remains of ancient civilizations attesting to more than 5.000 years of history,
culture and mythology, this region offers a holiday with something for everyone
– nature lovers, sun worshippers, photographers, sports enthusiasts, sailors
and archeologists. Along the whole length of the coast, accommodation to suite
every taste and price range can be found.
Aphrodisias
Bodrum
Ephesus
Fethiye
Izmir
Koycegiz and Dalyan
Kusadasi
Marmaris
Pamukkale
(Hirapolis)
Priene, Meletus and Didyma
Aphrodisias
Although the history of Aphrodisias stretches far back in time, the city,
which was dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of love and fertility, only rose to
the prominence in the first century B.C. Some of the richest treasures of
ancient times were uncovered in the excavation of this city. The public
buildings are handsomely adorned with marble that was carved with astonishing
skill, producing remarkable temples, monuments, baths, a theatre, and a magnificent
stadium. As the reputation of the city's craftsmen for the
exquisite finesse of their statuary and marble sculpting school of antiquity.
Many of its marvelous works of art are now housed in local museum.
An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to the dazzling blue bay of Bodrum, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. This charming town attracts a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long, palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina.
Not far from the town you can swim in absolutely clear warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offer up multicolored sponges and sizes, and an immerse of aquatic life, including octopus.
The reputation of Bodrum boat yards dates back to ancient times. Today, craftsmen still build traditional boats; the tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern, and the gulette with a board beam and rounded stern. The latter are especially used for excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual October Bodrum Cup Race. Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. This community has encouraged an informal day time life style and a night time of excitement.Bodrum known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of tomb of King Mausolus (4th century B.C.), which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbor, the Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th century Crusader architecture. It has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archeology, with remains as far back as the Bronze Age.
EphesusA visit to Ephesus, once the commercial center of the ancient world, is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered on of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, in its latest form dates from the third century B.C. The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora, and baths as well as the Library of Celsus. Click on Ephesus for a few pictures you may enjoy.
The nearby town of Selcuk is dominated by a Byzantine citadel which stands close to the forth-century basilica of St. John, supposedly built on the site of the apostle’s tomb. The 14th century Isa Bey Mosque, next to the basilica accessed through its typical Seljuk portal. The Archeological Museum houses an impressive collection of statues and other finds recovered during the excavations at Ephesus.
Tradition has it that, after the death of Christ, John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus where she is said to have spent her last days in a small house built for her on Mt. Koressos. Now a place of pilgrimage for Roman Catholics and a popular tourist site for all, the house has received the official sanction of the Vatican, and a commemoration ceremony is held every year on August 15th .
Fethiye
The popular resort of Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris, boasts an
important marina at the head of a beautiful bay strewn with islands. A full
crowned by the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knight of Rhodes
overlooks the little port. Above the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity),
numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings, were
cut into the cliff face. The tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the
fourth century B.C. is the most remarkable.
Izmir
– The hometown of Homer
Known in Turkish as " Beautiful Izmir" the city lies at the head
of the long and narrow gulf. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and its
port is second only to Istanbul. A cosmopolitan and lively city all year round.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. (at present day
Bayrakli), at which time which shared with Troy the most advanced culture in the
Western Anatolia. By 1.500 B.C. it had fallen under the influence of the Central
Anatolian Hittite Empire. In the first millennium B.C. Izmir, then known as
Smyrna, ranked as one of the most important cities of the Ionian Federation.
During this period, one of the cities most brilliant, it is believed that Homer
resided here. Lydian conquest of the city, around 600 B.C. , brought this period
to an end. Izmir remained little more than a village throughout the Lydian and
subsequent sixth-century B.C. Persian rule. In the fourth century B.C. a new city
was built on the slopes of Mt. Pagos during the reign of Alexander the Great.
Izmir’s Roman period, beginning in the first century B.C. was its second great
era. Byzantine rule followed in the forth century and lasted until the Seljuk
conquest in the 11th century. In 1415, under Sultan Mehmet Celebi,
Izmir became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The town of Köycegiz lies at the northern end of the lake by the same name and is joined to the Mediterranean by a natural channel. This unique environment is being preserved as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. A road shaded with aromatic frankincense trees leads to the tiny village of Dalyan on the inland waterway. The maze of channels is easily explored by boat as you immerse yourself in this tranquil dream world. The restaurants which line the waterway specialize in delicious fresh fish. Magnificent tombs were carved into the rock high on the cliff face, at a bend in the river, above the fascinating ancient harbor city of Caunos. The Dalyan Delta, with the long golden, sandy Iztuzu beach at its mouth, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and blue crabs.
Dalyan is small town on the south-western coast of Turkey. 25 km from the international airport Dalaman. Set in the center of a broad delta whose natural beauty remains unspoiled, Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving places of paradise, an area of natural beauty interest. Make the Sun Hotel your "home" while you visit here.
Kusadasi|
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Kusadasi, or Bird Island, is a lovely port built along the shores of
glittering bay. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful inlet of the
Aegean and seems to have been created purely for the delight of the
holiday-maker. Be sure to visit famous and popular Kaleici
quarter with lots of shops and old buildings. You will love this wonderful market area as it is filled with great items perfect for a memento or souvenir of your visit to Turkey. However, try not to do what I did the last time I was there. Although you can find just about anything you want here, film can be a little on the expensive side. I ran out and -- it cost me! |
Marmaris
Situated on a bay, backed by rugged pine clad mountains, Marmaris is one of
the most attractive maritime parklands, ideal for water sports and sailing. It
makes an excellent starting point for the "Blue Voyage" tour of the
Aegean coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an
opportunity to meet the yachts’ captains and crews. With plenty of provisions
aboard you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the
spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.
A magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is fairyland of dazzling white castles. Thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for its therapeutic powers. Both the thermal pools, as well as the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, are situated on the plateau. Another thermal center northwest of Pamukkale is Karahayit, known for its high iron content.
Priene, Meletus and Didyma
Priene was one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation. The grid-like system of streets introduced in the fourth century B.C. by Hippodamos
of Miletus is a superb and early example of town planning.
Miletus, like Priene was a great Ionian port as well as the birthplace of several philosophers and sages. The theatre itself justifies a visit. Also be sure to see the well-preserved ruins of the Faustina baths and the Archeological Museum.
Although Didyma can only boast of a single monument, it is nevertheless a marvelous site. The Temple of Apollo was one of the antiquity’s most sacred places. Many times looted and burned, the sanctuary still impresses with its elegant beauty. A double-colonnade portico surrounds the colossal temple. Not far from the archeological site, beautiful beach of Altinkum tempts visitors with its many gusts houses.
