AYDIN TURKEY
27.01.2021
Aydın
TralleisAncient City
Located in the centre of Aydın, the ancient city ofTralleis is the city where the architect Anthemios, who built the Hagia Sophia,and the Physician Alexandros, who has an important place in the history ofmedicine, were born and raised. The city hosts the historical building commonlyknown as “Üçgözler” as a symbol of Aydın. It is known to be one of the mostmagnificent Gymnasium baths in Anatolia, built on the fertile soils of theMenderes basin.
A Roman bath, theater, agora and stadium are among theother buildings of the city.
Famous for its leather and red pottery, the cityraised two great sculptors named Apollonios and Tauriskos. Two world-famoussculptures of the art of sculpture, the Farnese Bull andthe Young Athlete, are also among the marvelous works of Tralleisthat came to light.
On the tombstone belonging to a young man namedSeikilos, who lived around Tralleis in the 1st – 2nd centuryAD, has an engraved Greek melody lyrics and musical notation. Research hasshown that it it is the earliest song (lament) ever known.
What makes the inscription important is that there isone note on each syllable of the word. Very few melodies have survived in smallpieces from ancient times, and Seikilos has been fully recovered.
Kuşadası
The district, which takes its name from the Güvercin(Pigeon) Island at the entrance of the port, is one of the important tourismcentres of Türkiye. The town, which is 71 km away from Aydın, is centrelocatedin an important touristic centrecentre, including Ephesus, Virgin Mary, Milet,Didim, Pamukkale, Marmaris and Bodrum. It offers a colourful and lively holidayexperience with its marina, numerous beaches, camping areas, surrounded bynature, and entertainment venues.
With its Çıban (Yavansu), Venus, Güzelçamlı andDavutlar Thermal Springs; Aslanlı and Zeus Caves, Dilek Peninsula National Parkand its coves and spas within the park, Kuşadası welcomes many visitors inspring, summer and autumn every year.
Kuşadası consists of settlements that vary accordingto ages. At the foothill of the Dilek Hill in the northeast of the nationalpark, the walls of Panionion, known as the meeting place of the twelve Ioniancities, and the remains of the parliament building survived until today. Here,you can visit the Venetian Castle and the city of Anaia.
Pygale Ancient settlement, or known as Güvercin Islandtoday, which is home to a Byzantine castle built on the rocks, and the KüçükAda Castle, which is a 19th century building and an importantnaval defence centre used against pirates of the Ottoman Empire, are among theplaces that should be seen. The walls surrounding Kuşadası were also builtduring the Ottoman Empire period.
Kuşadası Marina is an ideal accommodation and shoppingarea for yachts and cruise ships, thanks to its marina and beautiful harbour.Welcoming tourism with its yacht harbour and two piers where cruise ships dock,Kuşadası is Türkiye´s second important sea gate. There are ferriesserving continuously at the port. In addition, yachts and boats offering BlueCruise await you in the port to take you to deep blue and cool waters.
Güvercinada Castle
Located on the island Güvercinadası, which gives itsname to Kuşadası, the castle was built on a natural rock of stone and brickmaterial, and is located at the entrance of the Kuşadası Bay, protecting theport. Evliya Çelebi, one of the famous travellers of history, visited Kuşadasıin 1671 and wrote in his book Seyahatname that 100,000 birds visit theGüvercinada Castle every year, on this magical islet.
Miletus & Didyma
The capital of civilization, culture, art and science,Milet (Miletos) is one of the most important cities in human history with its3,500-years old history. The city, which is regarded as the centre of positivescience, is the home of people who question nature, observe and contemplate inorder to understand it. Also known as the "city of philosophers",Milet has raised many historical figures such as the philosophers Thales,Anaksimandros and Anaksimenes and the city planner Hippodamos. Milet, dominatedby free thought 2,600 years ago, became a centre of attraction, and turned intothe largest city of the Ionian civilization, which developed on the WesternAnatolian coast. It became a cosmopolitan place attracting people from all overthe world.It ultimately became the capital of this civilization.
Milet is located on the southwestern border of theMenderes Plain, between Söke and Didim, in an area with no traffic density.Instead of big cities, there are several beautiful villages around it: Doğanbeyin the north, Batıköy in the west, Akköy in the south and Balat next to it."Balat" is named after Palatia, the late ancient name of Miletus.Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park extends to the MenderesDelta in the west of Milet. Milet Ancient City has an idyllic character withits location and the influence of small settlements around it.
Large stoas surrounding the South Agora were built inthe Hellenistic period. Although the Agora is hidden under lush green fieldstoday, the massive infrastructures of the stoas can be easily seen on theground, giving an idea of the size of the city centre during the Hellenisticand Roman periods. It is only 150 meters from the Miletus theatre and was builtby the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This bathhouse, which was built by theEmperor on behalf of his wife Faustina, was repaired at certain times.
The Nusa sculptures found here are currently exhibitedin the İstanbul Archaeology Museum. A large pool of the bath and a lion statueused as a fountain on the side of the pool are in the Miletus Museum.
The Faustina Bath is quite well preserved. Afterextensive restoration works in recent years, the size, spatial diversity andrich interior of these complexes have emerged. Apart from the Faustina Bath,there are also many small baths such as the South City Bath to the south of theIlyas Bey Mosque, as well as large baths such as Humeitepe or Capito Baths inthe city.
Today, beside the theatre and the castle, thecaravanserai, the Faustina bath, the Serapis temple, the Agoras, the Ilyas BeyComplex, the Great Harbour Monument and the ruins of the city area can bevisited in the ancient city.
The Miletus Museum, which contains uniquely beautifulruins and interesting artifacts, is an impressive archaeological area for visitors.With its fascinating atmosphere and nature, Miletus is the ancient land, wherefree thought prevailed and science was born. It is a privileged cultural regionthat pleases the intellect.
Didim Marina
The marina, which is located on the route of yachtsarriving from and departing to the Aegean Sea in all directions, is a verypopular harbour on the route of Çeşme, Kuşadası, Bodrum, Datça, Marmaris,Fethiye.
Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo, the third largest temple in theworld, constructed according the Ionic order, is regarded among thebest-preserved temples of the ancient age. The temple in the centre ofYenihisar district is located in the Didyma sacred area, which is a prophecycentre. Herodotus, the first written source about the city of Didyma, reportsthat in 600 BC the Egyptian King Nekho II and the Lydian King Croesus madeofferings to the Temple of Apollo in Didyma. The Temple of Apollo was built inthe name of Apollo, the twin brother of Artemis, similar to the Temple ofArtemis in Ephesus, for Brankhid oracles. Strabon argues that: "Since itis the biggest temple in the world, its roof could not be covered.” The sacredplace of Apollo, which was very famous in the Archaic period, was destroyed bythe Persians in 494 BC, it was rebuilt and extensions were added during thetimes of Alexander the Great, Seleukhos, Pergamons and Romans. The temple,which is the most famous place of prophecy of the ancient world, completelylost its importance in 385 AD with the order of Theodosios, and theconstruction of the temple was never completed with the spread of Christianity.The foundations, that can be seen in the central courtyard today, point to theremains of the early temple.
Aphrodisias
Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in2017, Aphrodisias is named after Aphrodite, theGreek goddess of love. Located in Aydin’s Karacasu district, Aphrodisias isone of the best-protected ancient cities in Anatolia. Dating back seventhousand years, the city gained prominence and wealth thanks to its marblequarries. This material lead to the founding of a sculpture school andeventually Aphrodisias became a centre for this art. Sculptorsfrom the city became famous throughout the Roman Empire. Today, some of theseancient statues can be seen at the site. The impressive remains of the cityinclude the Tetrapylon Gate, the ancient theatre, the stadium andtemples. The Aphrodisias Museum displays an impressivecollection of statues from the site.
Aphrodisias was unearthed upon the interestingdiscovery of the world-famous photographer Ara Güler. In 1958, the masterphotographer, who went to Karacasu to take pictures of the Kemer Dam, lost hisway, and discovered the area where the remains of Aphrodisias were found. Thushe pioneered the unearthing of this valuable cultural heritage. Inside theAphrodisias Museum, there is an exhibition of photographs by Ara Güler, takenwhen he first discovered Aphrodisias.
Magnesia
The city affiliated to Germencik district was foundedby the Magnetes from Thessaly according to a legend. The location of the firstMagnesia established by the Magnetes, who came to Anatolia upon the prophecyand guidance of Apollo, is unknown. Diodor writes that Thibron from Athensresettled the city in 400-399 BC due to epidemic diseases and Persian dangercaused by the continuously changing bed and overflow of the Menderes River. Itis assumed that Thibron might have resettled the inhabitants of the city ofMagnesia to Leukophyr at the foot of the Thorax (Silver) Mountain of today´sMagnesia, in order to protect them, rather than establishing a new city.Therefore, it would be correct to regard today´s Magnesia as established in alater period.
The city had an important commercial and strategicposition between the triangle of Priene, Ephesos and Tralleis. Magnesia´s fameand importance today stems from the architect Hermogenes of Priene, whosedesigns and applications survived to the present day. According to the ancientauthor and architect Vitruvius, Hermogenes was the first architect who inventedthe Pseudodipteros temple plan and the temple types based on intercolumniation.Vitruvius also says that the chief work of Hermogenes is the Temple ofLeukophryne in Magnesia. Hermogenes built this temple on the ruins of the firstarchaic temple in the Hellenistic Period. The temple is the fourth largesttemple in Anatolia in the Hellenistic period, built in Ionic order.
As a result of the excavations carried out in thesanctuary of Artemis, a marble-paved ceremonial area was unearthed between thealtar in front of the temple and the agora. The perimeter of the ceremonialarea is covered with reliefs of deities, reaching 3 meters in size, with ironrings for sacrifices attached in front of them. One of the other importantbuildings of Magnesia is its Agora, which has disappeared under alluvium today.The Agora is accessed through a sacred door from the Artemis sanctuary. TheAgora of this ancient city is among the largest bazaars of the period. It wasunderstood in later researches that the Agora was the Roman period "BazaarBasilica", in which the headlines depicted with reliefs describing theadventure of Skylla that has dog legs, known from Homer´s "Odyseia",were used.
Theatron, which was built for use in religiousceremonies but could not be completed, and Latrina (public toilet) with acapacity of 32 people, are among the other important buildings of Magnesia.Other buildings that can be partially seen today in Magnesia include theTurkish bath, which is a copy of the Faustina Bath in Milet, the Odeon, theStadion, the Gymnasion, which is a sports centre, the Roman Temple, theByzantine Wall and the 5th century Çerkez MusaMosque.
Alabanda Ancient City
The name Alabanda is derived from the words Ala(horse), banda (race) in the Carian language. As cited by the Byzantinehistorian Stephanos cites, the city was named Alabanda, after Alabandos, theson of King Car, who won a horse race. Cicero discusses in his book“The World of Gods” that the city was named after the Carian God Alabandos.According to the first information about Alabanda after the 3rd centuryBC, the Seleucid King named the city Antioch-on-the-Chrysorrhoas. In aninscription found in Delphi, it was stated that upon the request of the 3rd Antiochus,the Amphictyonic Council decided on the immunity of Alabanda and in accordancewith this decision, the city was dedicated to Zeus Khrysaoeos and ApolloIsotimos.
After Rome completely dominated Anatolia in 70 BC,Alabanda joined the Asian state as the 21st city. When Ephesoswas declared by M. Antonius as the capital of the state in 48 BC, it became thecapital of the region and Miletus, Piriene, Tralleis and Nysa have joined here.Alinda can be accessed by passing through the centre of the ancient city.
Alinda Ancient City
Although there is not much information about Alinda,one of the important Carian cities, Strabo argues that, when Ada, daughter ofHekatomnos, was expelled from Halicarnassus by her brother Picodaros, shewithdrew to Alinda in 340 BC and made this city her capital. Alinda has beennamed Aleksandria for a while. During this period, the city of Alinda hadadopted the Greek cult. The city, which continued its importanceduring the Roman Period, minted money of its own until the 3rd centuryAD. During the Byzantine Period, Alinda became an episcopal centre under theAphrodisias Metropolitan.
Alinda Ancient City is surrounded by city walls thatare well preserved until today. The aqueducts that supply water to the city arealso partially preserved. The most important building standing today in Alindais the Agora. To the south of the rectangular planned building, there is athree-storey market building. The building extending in the East-Westdirection, on the southwestern skirt of the acropolis, is a theatre built on anatural slope. The theatre, of which stage building has been completelydestroyed, has the Hellenistic Period characteristics. The theatre was alsoused in the Roman Period with some additions. The Carian type sarcophagi seenamong the houses of Karpuzlu district prove that the necropolis of Alinda getsmore dense on the southern skirt of the city.
Dilek Peninsula
Büyük Menderes Delta National Park
Dilek Peninsula Büyük Menderes Delta National Park isa natural wonder with hundreds of bird species, underwater riches, historicaland cultural diversity. The peninsula, which has the best examples of Maquisvegetation in Türkiye, is a unique botanical garden with its rich flora. It isalso one of the important habitats for migratory birds in the AegeanRegion.
Located within the borders of Kuşadası, Söke and Didimdistricts, the National Park has been accepted as a "Flora BiogeneticReserve Area" by the European Council in the European Biogenetic ReservesScheme, as it is a nature museum where flywheel plant species of entireAnatolia from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea are naturally seen together.Together with the Büyük Menderes River, this area is of internationalimportance due to its biological diversity, endangered species and endemicspecies.
The peninsula offers many alternatives from SportiveAngling to Cycling, Hiking, Wildlife and Bird Watching. The Observation Terraceis ideal for photography enthusiasts with its unique nature and view that youcannot get enough of.
Blue Flag Beaches with Clear Waters
Aydin, where sea tourism is intense throughout threeseasons, with a coastline of 148 km and a deep blue sea and unique bays, standsout with blue flagged beaches in Kuşadası and Didim districts. You can witnessthe unique combination of green and blue in Aydın, which has a total of 35 blueflag beaches, notably Pigale Beach, Güzelçamlı Beach, Yavansu and AslanburnuBeaches and Kadınlar Denizi Beach, Sevgi Beach, Güvercinada Beach, AltınkumBeach, Akbük Beach, Tavşanburnu Beach, which attract great attention of localand foreign tourists. Underwater and surface sports opportunities are very richin Aydın, where the temperate climate of the Mediterranean climate prevails.
You can choose…
Underwater diving to explore the depths of KuşadasıBay,
Parasailing to watch the beautiful curved shores froma bird´s eye view,
Kite surfing to feel the sweet breeze of the wind, and
Boat tours to relax in its beautiful bays.
Kadınlar Denizi Beach
Kadınlar Denizi Beach, one of the most popular beachesof Kuşadası, is a very suitable beach for family holidays with its sandy beachand shallow sea deepening after 20-30 meters. The beach, which is quite busy insummer, attracts those who want to have fun and a comfortable time with theirchildren. The beach area with many accommodation facilities, which providequality service and rental summer houses, is very close to the city centre ofKuşadası. There is also a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunitiesaround the Kadınlar Denizi Beach, which draws attention with its colourfulnightlife.
Güvercinada Beach
Güvercinada Beach, which stands out with its woodenpier located at the sea, the quality food and beverage facility around thehistorical Güvercinada Castle, and its clean sea, is a popular and blue flaggedbeach of Kuşadası. Located on the route to Güvercinada Castle, the beachattracts those who want to enjoy swimming in the clear waters, despite being ina rocky area. You can enjoy the cool waters accompanied by the view ofGüvercinada and take a break at the nearby municipal facility.
Pigale Beach
Surrounded by the ruins of the ancient city of Pygalein the north of Kuşadası, Pigale Beach is named after the ancient city. Thereis a holiday village near Pigale Beach, which is one of the public beaches,also known as Kustur Beach. They are preferred beaches in summer with theirsandy beaches and clear waters.
Altınkum Beach
It is possible to take advantage of the sunshine formost of the year in Altınkum Beach, which is a blue flag certified beach withits clean water and sandy beach and located in Didim. There are manyalternatives for visitors on this natural wonder beach, which constantlymaintains the cleanliness of its water with its natural sea current. It ispossible to enjoy sunbathing on its golden sands, the coolness in its clearwaters and participate in many water sports activities. Daily boat tours can beused to travel to different beautiful bays in the vicinity. You can shop from localstores and join colourful nights in bars, cafés and restaurants on Yali Caddesistreet in this coastal town, which also draws attention with its entertainmentopportunities.
Didim Akbük Beach
Didim Akbük Beach, one of the pleasant holiday spots,where you can enjoy the sea and nature, is 20 km away from the centre. As oneof the popular beaches, it is popular due to its clean sea and tranquillitycompared to other beaches. Akbuk Beach is one of the blue flag certifiedbeaches of Aydın, together with Sahte Cennet Beach, which is located in thedirection towards the centre of Akbük.
Tavşanburnu Beach
It is one of the quieter blue flag certfieid beachesof Didim, where the sea and forest meet. Located in Didim Yalıköy, within theTavşanburnu Nature Park. There are places to eat and drink, social facilitiesand a camping area around the beach.
Beşparmak Mountains and Ancient Latmos Rocks
Latmos, which had a sacred importance in ancienttimes, contains interesting natural rock formations formed by the erosion ofthe rocks throughout many years. The discovery of an inscriptionwith Luwian hieroglyphs on the Latmos Mountains the present-day BeşparmakMountains - around the Bafa Lake has revealed deep information about the pastof humanity.
The Prehistoric rock paintings of human figures foundin a cave at the foot of Mount Latmos date back to 7,000 – 8,000 BC, and are aproof of the rich cultural life and settled life in the region. You can reachthe cave in a 45-minute walk on the pathway, which has been used fortransportation to olive groves and monasteries and for ritual walks for years.Yediler Monastery, which seems to have disappeared among the interesting rockformations of Latmos, is a treasure worth seeing with its frescoes painted onthe rocks. There are many Byzantine monasteries, monk caves and shelters on theLatmos Rocks.
Bafa Lake Nature Park and Heraklia Ancient City
Bafa Lake, the largest lake in the Aegean Region, islocated in the southeast of the Büyük Menderes Delta. The lake, which wasformed as a result of the alluvium brought by the Menderes River of the LatmosBay, is slightly salty and hosts many bird species. Surrounded by tamarisk,olive, and red pine trees, Bafa Lake is an important wintering ground for waterbirds.
Herakleia Ancient City is located east of the lake,Myus Ancient City at the northwest, and Aissessos Ancient City at thesouthwest. The point where Bafa Lake and Herakleia Ancient City meet is one ofthe most impressive beauties with a magnificent combination of nature and history.Heracleia, which was the episcopal centre during the Byzantine Period, is animportant centre of worship for Christians. Heraklia, where traces of theprehistoric period can be seen, caused many monasteries and places of worshipto be carved into the rock cavities as it provided the opportunity to hide.Heraklia, a port city of the Aegean Sea, began to lose its former importancewith the blockage of the Gulf of Latmos with the alluvium carried by the BüyükMenderes.
Bird Watching Area
Bafa Lake, which is within the boundaries of Aydın andMuğla provinces, is one of the important areas for birds. It gained the IBA(Important Bird Area) status with the breeding populations of the collaredpratincole and the spur-winged plover. The dalmatian pelicans, which come fromthe Büyük Menderes Delta, can be seen in the lake throughout the year. BafaLake is of great importance for water birds during winter. Little Grebe, Bahri,Black Necked Grebe, Cormorant, Small Cormorant, Gadwall, Pochard and Wild gooseare the main wintering species. Many raptors, especially long-legged buzzard,can be seen between October and April when the water level is high. Birdwatchers and those who are interested in bird watching can take a break in thisregion and easily observe the lives of different bird species.
Old Doğanbey Village
Located on the Dilek Peninsula 30 km away from Sökedistrict, old Doğanbey Village is a village abandoned by the Greeks, whomigrated to Greece as a result of the population exchange between Greece and Türkiyeduring the National Struggle. The village, which was founded under the name"Domatia", meaning ‘rooms’ in Greek, took the name of"Doğanbey" over time. The buildings such as houses, shops, hospitalsand fountains in the village, which leans against the Mykale Mountains (DilekMountains), reflect the architectural features of the late Ottoman period.Houses abandoned by the villagers who settled as a result of the exchange inthe past are being restored by their new owners in accordance with their originalsand gain an aesthetic structure. This is a village worth seeing with its stonehouses, narrow streets and natural beauties, which attract great attentionespecially with its architecture, and beautiful examples of stone workmanship.It attracts photography enthusiasts and those who want to experience authenticlife.
Arpaz Castle
The castle, located in Nazilli district, is an 18th centuryOttoman period building. The building group located in Esenköy, affiliated toNazilli, was established on the skirts of the Harpasa Castle, a Carian city. Insome sources, the name of this place is also referred to as the Arpaz Tower. Itwas built at the beginning of the 19th century by Arpaz Lords,the owners of the large farm enterprise, which covers the cultivated landextending to Akçay. However, the presence of Ottoman Period ruins of the 17th and18th centuries suggests that the building was built in anearlier period and renovated later. Arpaz Castle resembles a castle with itsmansion, security tower, warehouse, stables and extensions.
Körteke Castle
There are city ruins from the Roman and Byzantineperiods in the villages around Arapapıştı Canyon, within the borders of theBozdoğan District of Aydın. Körteke Castle (Kale Tepe) is located in thevillage of Körteke, one of the villages around the Canyon. On the hill wherethe castle is located, remains of the ancient city of Xyatis, one of theLeleg-type cities from the Carian period, can be seen. There is an acropolis onthe rocky hill, a tower in the east and west and a cistern in the middle.
Öküz Mehmetpaşa Caravansarai
Öküz Mehmetpaşa Caravanserai, which looks like a smallinner castle, is used as a hotel and touristic facility today. The top of thecaravanserai, which was built using rubble stone and spolia, has a triangulartip and a pointed dentil. The two-storey building has rooms lined up around thelarge inner courtyard. The wide and flamboyant entrance door is surrounded bymarble. It has survived until today after being restored in different periods.
Cihanoğlu Mosque
Cihanoğlu Mosque, located in the Köprübaşı Quarter ofAydın city, was built by Müderris Cihanoğlu Abdülaziz in 1756. Although amixture of rubble stone and bricks was used in the mosque, which has a squareplan and was built on a sloping land, bricks are also seen on some other parts.The gypsery in the narthex and harim of the mosque in Baroque style are worthseeing. Plant and animal motifs and relief motifs were used in the interiorarchitecture, which fully reflects the Baroque style that dominated Ottomanarchitecture in the second half of the 18th century. CihanoğluMosque, which was damaged during the war and occupation periods, was repairedin various years. The restoration of the mosque was completed in 2010 andgained it a more aesthetic appearance.
Balat İlyas Bey Mosque and Complex
Located in the village of Balat next to the ancientcity of Miletos in Söke district, the Ilyas Bey Mosque was built in 1404. Forthe construction of the mosque, also known as the “Cuma Mosque”, marble blockstones of the ancient city of Miletos were used. Ilyas Bey Mosque, of whichinterior and exterior are covered with smooth marble blocks, has a lancet door,which is valuable in terms of stone workmanship. Some of the mosque windows aredecorated with ceramic inlaid verses and some with geometric patterned stainedglass. The marble mihrab of the mosque decorated with geometric patterns is thebest example of its period. Restoration works were carried out due to the greatdestruction of buildings such as madrasah, bath and almshouse, together withthe mosque, which was built as a complex during the Menteşeoğulları period. Therestoration project of Balat İlyas Bey Complex was awarded by Europa Nostra,which aims to preserve the cultural heritage values of Europe, in the categoryof “Restoration and Preservation of Historical Artifacts” in 2012.
Eski Cine Ahmet Gazi Mosque
Ahmet Gazi Mosque (Ulu Mosque), located in the EskiÇine Village of Çine district was built in the first half of the 14th century.It is Aydın´s known oldest mosque. Being the largest domed mosque of itsperiod, the mosque named “Ulu” has a dome with a diameter of 17 meters andwalls of 1.70 meters thickness. Ahmet Gazi Mosque, which has typicalPrincipality period architectural features in every aspect, is one of the firstTurkish great works of Western Anatolia. Its walls are built of rubble stoneson cut stones. Although the interior walls are quite plain, it draws attentionwith its wood carvings, stylized motifs and various geometric shapes.
“Cittaslow” Yenipazar
Located 40 km east of Aydın, on the south bank of theBüyük Menderes River, Yenipazar is located at the foothill of the MadranMountain, which is covered with forests at the north. The Orthosia AncientCity, dating back to 2,000 BC, is the first settlement. Strabon argues that theremains of Orthosia, which is one of the Carian settlement areas, can be seen,and some of the mosaics unearthed in the excavations are exhibited in the AydınArcheology Museum.
At the end of the 17th century, a newsettlement was established in the present place of Yenipazar by the tribal lordCihanoğulları. Since it has no connection with trade routes, Yenipazar has madea living from agriculture and animal husbandry from past to present andproduces corn, cotton, olive and olive oil, figs and citrus fruits. It hasbecome one of the 18 "Cittaslow" cities of Türkiye with its lowpopulation, its ability to preserve its traditions and customs, originalvalues, culinary culture, the culture of solidarity, the continuity of sincereand close human relations, and the prevalence of a peaceful and calm life.Yörük Ali Efe Museum, Aşağı Dip Lake, Çamlık Picnic Park are among the placesworth seeing in Yenipazar. In addition, you can experience the traditionalcamel wrestling and nomad festivals organized every year to keep thetraditional culture alive.
Lush Highlands, Unique Canyons and Caves
Aydın, which is surrounded by mountains due to itsgeographical structure, has many highlands with clean air and lush nature.Nature lovers and those interested in highland tourism can take nature walks,see the highland houses and experience the local culture in the highlands,where both recreation and sports opportunities can be found. Spectacularly beautiful canyons created by the original geographical structurethroughout the centuries provide opportunities of boat tours, mountaintrekking, discovering interesting formations in natural wonders, and naturesports.
Paşa Highland
Located approximately 25 kilometres from the centre ofAydın, Paşa Highland is at an altitude of 1,200 meters at the foothill ofCevizli Mountain. The highlands on the high slopes of the mountain, offersclean air, a rich vegetation of red pine, black pine, and juniper trees. Thereare also hotels, old highland houses, and camping and picnic areas to accommodatein the highland atmosphere. The highland, which takes its name from thehistory, is also called “Paşalar Highland” because the pashas, who ruled theSanjak during the Ottoman Period, spent the hot summer months in the cool airof the highland.
Madran Highland
Located on the summit of the Madran Mountain, which isthe highest mountain of Aydın, the Madran Highland is between the Çine,Yenipazar and Bozdoğan districts. It is possible to reach the top of themountain and the highland at a 7 km hiking distance from Madran Village, whichis 4 km away from Bozdoğan district. You can witness different plant and treespecies on this route, accompanied by unique views of nature. You can takenature walks and visit the houses in the highland, which attracts the localpeople, to cool off in the summer months. Since hair goat breeding is done inthe highland, it is possible to see hair goats and haircloth tents. Also, youcan visit Madran Baba Tomb, which is thought to belong to an arrow hunter wholived in the Ottoman Period. An interesting feature of this place is that thevillagers living in the highland, who breathe the clean air of the mountain,store the snow that falls in winter and use it in making snow halva in summer.Snow halva is a flavour specific to Aydın, which is flavoured with fruitextracts and consumed to cool down in hot weather.
Kahvederesi Highland
Located within the boundaries of Karacasu district, onthe skirts of Karıncalı Mountain, Kahvederesi Highland is among the placesworth seeing with its natural beauties in different colours, highland houses ingreenery, various trees and plant species. Local people prefer the highlandsduring the hot summer months because of its cool weather. Kahvederesi Highlandis an ideal place to spend a peaceful time in touch with nature, away from citylife. It is possible to taste local delicacies surrounded by nature views andbird sounds in the establishments of the highland. There are also hiking andmountain biking routes for nature sports enthusiasts.
Arapapıştı (İnceğiz) Canyon
Located on the borders of Aydın, Denizli and Muğlaprovinces, Arapapıştı Canyon, also known as İnceğiz Canyon, is a natural wonderto be discovered, and one of the points suitable for domestic boat tourism.
The Arapapıştı Canyon, which was formed by theabrasion of Akçay, which feeds the Kemer Dam located in Bozdoğan district ofAydın, offers a unique feast of nature with its 380 height and 6 km length. Itis one of the rare areas where history and nature come together in the ruins ofthe ancient period, and natural formations. The canyon, located between twolakes in the Akçay Valley, is a region where people used to hide in order tolead a religious life since ancient times. Around the canyon you can see thecity ruins of the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the Körteke Castle(Kale Tepe) in the village of Körteke, which is surrounded by villages, and theruins of the ancient city of Xyatis from the Caria period. Recently amysterious rock tomb was discovered, which is 2,500 years old and estimated tobe of Persian origin. When the water level in the dam is lowered, the “sırainler” caves, formed by the waters of Akçay, and the historical Kemer Bridge,built by the armies of the Macedonian King Alexander the Great, can be seen.
You can take boat tours for 1.5-2 hours, organized inArapapıştı Canyon. As an alternative way of exploring the canyon, trekkingalong the pathways can be preferred. Either way, it is possible to take uniqueshots at different points of this magnificent natural wonder.
Karabağlar Canyon
Karabağlar Canyon, which has an entrance on the roadbetween Karabağlar village of Karacasu district and Aşağı Görle Village, joinsthe Görle Canyon. The length of the canyon, of which waters pour into the KemerDam Pond, is 2.5 km, and the depth of water is low at the beginning, reaching50 meters gradually. There are three waterfalls in the canyon that require arope descent. It is possible to observe the canyon from the village road.Nature sports enthusiasts can have a pleasant time in the canyon, which is wideenough for a person to pass in some parts.
Sırtlanini Cave
Located between the Yukari Camarası and Narlıgedikvillages of the Karacasu district, the Sırtlanini Cave is approximately 10 kmaway from Aphrodisias Ruins. The deepest point of the cave, which has a totallength of 348 meters, is 32 meters. The main cave cavity comes after the mouthof the entrance, which is very narrow and can only be entered by crawling. Thehall in the form of a large gallery, accessed after a narrow entrance, isdivided into 5-6 sections by columns. Ceramic pieces seen in the section nearthe entrance of the gallery suggest that it was an ancient settlement.Sırtlanini Cave, decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and columns and wherebat colonies live, is a natural wonder to see.
Zeus Cave
Zeus Cave is an impressive natural cave, which is100-150 meters away from the entrance of the Güzelçamlı Dilek Peninsula BüyükMenderes Delta National Park, at the foot of the mountain, with very deep,small pool-like puddles formed by the water source coming out of it. Theancient city of Panionion is located at the top of the hill. The place wherethe water comes out of the cave, which is a complete wonder of nature, is notknown exactly. It is guessed that the name Zeus was given to the cave based onthe stories about Zeus, God of Sky in Greek mythology. It is rumoured that Zeusfled the anger of his brother Poseidon and took refuge in this cave and bathedin its waters. Zeus Cave is a hidden beauty that must be seen by those who wantto visit the National Park.