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Aydin
The ancient name of the province of Aydin was Tralleis. It was celebrated as the
center of sculpture, with a well known sculpture school. The museum in Aydin
exhibits the relics of many civilizations which have passed through this
important center. The remains in the city date to the 2nd-century A.D. while you
may see many examples of other periods, in the towns and environs of the
province.
MENDERES VALLEY
The Menderes Valley, formed by the Menderes (Meander) river has been the cradle
of many civilizations. This region offers a variety of beauties all at once.
Lake Camici (Bafa) is a secret camping spot, hidden amidst the pines, olives and
oleanders facing the five peaks of the Besparmak Mountains on the eastern slopes
on which are the ruins of Alinda. The ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia are
closer to the lake giving campers by the lake the chance to the sightseeing.
This fertile valley has sheltered many important cities of past civilizations
the remains of which still preserve their grandeur and dignity.
KUSADASI
A lovely town, a popular port, and at the same time, an attractive holiday
resort, is this "Bird Island" taking its name from the little "Dove Island" in
the harbor. Facing this islet covered with flowers, Kusadasi stands on the
beautiful shores of Aegean Sea, overlooking a bay of real fascination.
The pretty beaches along the deep blue sea will be the first to tempt newcomers
with their scenic view under the glittering sun. When wandering through the town,
one will be pleased a second time, by the modernity and high quality of the
numerous accommodation establishments and related with their many facilities.
The large marina here is a favorite place of yachtsmen, with its complete
services, and it is a colorful site to visit, being also a good shopping area.
The famous ancient cities near Kusadasi, like Ephesus, Miletos and Priene,
Didyma make the district interesting for sightseers, together with the
historical remains like the old fortress and caravansary inside the town. The
Dilek National Park, which is a wildlife preserve and a heaven for many species
is worth seeing.
All of these charming spots complete the picturesque appearance of this town;
Kusadasi today constitutes a perfect resort for every type of vacation at any
time.
MILET (MILETOS)
A glorious city from the earliest times, is Miletos, an lonian site standing
over the Aegean coast.
Founded in the 10th century BC, this city had been an important commercial
center influencing trade on the Mediterranean, with its two separate ports.
Besides its economic prosperity, this ancient place was a point of flourishing
culture as being the homeland of numerous philosophers and sages. Thales,
Anaksymandros, Anaksymens and Hekotios are some of these philosophers.
Reflecting this history of splendor are several ruins dispersed over the region,
the antique theater being the most important one. It is a beautiful sight, with
its 15,000 seats inside, and also is an appropriate spot to view the entire
land, by climbing to its upper terraces.
Another structure is the Faustina baths built by the Roman Emperor Aurelius for
his wife, with a small museum nearby housing archeological finds from Miletos.
GULLUBAHCE (PRIENE)
Priene used to be the most important port of the lonian Federation, connecting
the city to the rest of the world. The site is particularly remarkable since the
system of geometric planning was introduced here by Hippodamos of Miletos in the
4th-century BC. The perfect planning of the city can be recognized even today.
The acropolis of the city is from the Hellenistic Period. You will also the see
well-preserved agora, bulenterion, stadium and gymnasium, and the temples of
Demeter, Athena, and Cybele in Priene.
DIDIM (DIDYMA)
Didyma was one of the luckiest settlements of antiquity since it sheltered one
of the most sacred spots of those times. It is the temple of Apollo, still
standing in Didyma with its impressive view, though it has been attacked and
burned several times. Here can be seen a portico of double colonnades
surrounding the colossal temple and also the famous Medusa bust among the
statues decorating it. The elaborate beauty of the temple and the artistic
architecture captures you at once.
The temple was the oracles center (during the reign of Ionian Federation), and
those who wanted to learn about the future visited Didyma then. The name of the
city comes from this characteristic, as Didymeion means in antiquity, the place
where oracles are told.
The only monument Didim possesses today, is the temple of Apollo, but it is
reason enough to take an excursion to Didim where you may also enjoy the beaches
while staying at friendly guest houses.
GEYRE (APHRODISIAS)
It is 12 kms northeast of the town of Karacasu. The history of this ancient city
goes back to 4000 BC but the major part of Aphrodisias was built in the
1st-century BC. It was constructed to pay homage to Aphrodite, the goddess of
love and fertility, whom it takes its name from.
Inside the high city walls, stand beautiful buildings covered by white and
blue-gray marbles. The artistic style of the carvings on the monuments were so
magnificent that the city soon became the master of arts, and its fame reached
all sides of the ancient world. It constituted the greatest center of
sculpturing, with its "School of Sculpture" the marvelous works of which are now
displayed at the nearby museum.
An impressive sight in this city is the Aphrodisian theatre dating to the
Hellenistic period. The lovely Aphrodisias odeion is another, being one of the
excellent constructions in the area.
The Temple of Aphrodite is the most prominent remains with its high columns
stand erected. One of the best-preserved stadiums in the world is also here,
later used as an arena for gladiators.
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