North Aegean Region
The Northern Aegean Region


Seven churches of Christianity, House of Virgin Mary and the Diamond Triangle of Jews
has been located at Aegea which is one of the most important centers of tourism of religion
among Turkey.

The shores of the northern Aegean, which once witnessed the birth of western civilization, with their wide beaches and countless bays where forests come down to the sea, embrace one of the the most beautiful areas of coast line in Anatolia. Here is Homer's Troy and, to the south, Bergama, once home to the largest library of the ancient world, as well as being a centre for art and education; further south still is Ephesus, an example of Ionic architecture. Close by these ancient cities with their mystic atmosphere is Izmir, the largest city in the area and the birthplace of Homer. Built along the shores of an extensive gulf, Izmir is Turkey's third largest city. An important port, Izmir is also the area's main centre for archaeological and touristic sites.

Izmir is situated at the end of a long narrow gulf which is always filled with yachts and shipping traffic. Its favourable climate which enables the tourist season to be prolonged also provides unrivalled opportunities for an increase in many kinds of touristic products.

In the northern Aegean one can sunbathe for on average nine hours of the day in the winter, a period which increases to 14 hours in the summer. 229 spas where one may bathe and 81 where one may take the waters are an invaluable source of tourism in Turkey. The area is also important from the point of view of yacht tourism. As it possesses the most unpolluted water in the Mediteranean Basin, suitable winds for sailing, many well protected bays in close proximity to each other, and its own particular history and natural beauty, it is particularly favoured by yachtsmen.

Izmir and its surroundings contain places like Çesme, Alaçati, Karaburun, Urla, Foça and Selçuk which offer sun, sea and many opportunities for tourism, together with those for soft tourism and eco-tourism to be found at Çatalkaya, the Izmir Bird Sanctuary, the beaches at Inciralti, and in the forested area of the Buca natural springs.

Urla to the west of Izmir is a very special place where it is possible to swim and dive, with or without equipment, from its pier, small islands, and beautiful beaches off which it is possible to anchor. Çesme, at the farthest end of a peninsula in the northern Aegean region, is a typical little coastal town.

It is also one of the most important yacht harbours in the Aegean and takes its name from the abundance of springs and water sources found in the area. The Imbat breeze which blows from the northwest makes Çesme an ideal place for amateur yachtsmen.

Alaçati with its narrow streets of houses is situated 60 kms from Izmir and is a perfect choice for surfers drawn there by the magnet of its breezes, pristine bays and sea-shore. The frequent, strong and many changing breezes blow twice as briskly here as in other parts of the Çesme Peninsula. Those who pass by Alaçati Çark and the Piyale Rocks come face to face with a rock-face carved by the patient winds into an interesting shape which resembles a huge panel. Against this background one can swim and surf. It also offers possibilities for activities such as music, art or photography. A trip to the rocks gives an alternative for those tourists.looking for a different experience. The ancient city of Pergamon was a cultural centre involved in shipping and trade between the Aegean and the east. Bergama is today one of the best archaeological centres in Turkey. The Gulf of Edremit is known as the Riviera of the olive business. The clean sea and sandy beaches of the Gulf of Edremit stretch along the coastline in beautiful bays embraced by the green of olive groves.

Küçükkuyu, Akçay and Altinoluk are wonderful places for those seeking a relaxing holiday in pleasant surroundings while those interested in history and archaeological sites will find these there also.

Çanakkale, where the juncture of the Marmara and Aegean seas unite the coasts of Europe and Asia, is situated at the narrow entrance, 1200m wide, to the Strait of Çanakkale. Boats sailing in the strait can anchor for a while at the well-equipped Çanakkale marina which affords them time to visit the tourist areas in the vicinity. Troy has gained immortality through Homer's stories of King Priam, Hector, Paris and the incomparable Helen. Archaeological excavations here at different times have revealed residential neighbourhoods, city walls, foundations of houses, a temple and a theatre. A symbolic wooden statue of a horse reminds one of ancient battles. Troy is one of the world's treasures and occupies an important place in the region Bozcaada: This is the third largest island of Turkey. The island is steep and rocky with high cliffs but there are many small bays with sandy beaches. The island, surrounded by 9 smaller islands or islets, with its quiet coves, old Greek houses, and historical remains is the answer to those seeking a peaceful holiday.

The acropolis at Assos (Behramkale) is 238 metres above sea level. The Temple to Athena was built in the 6th century B.C. An agora, theatre and a gynmasiun descend from the top of the hill towards the sea. Since the end of the 80's, Assos has become an inevitable stopping-place for those planning a holiday. Its sea, clean air and historical past, to which the ruins of the ancient city bear witness, makes it a place few others can equal.

Kaz Mountain (or Mountains) rising 1774 m. with a wonderful view, peaceful green glades and hot springs can be found to the south of Çanakkale. Offering possibilities for alternative forms of tourism, it is a favourite place for those seeking adventure.


Ephesus
A Cultural Centre of Antiquity
Ephesus- A Cultural Centre of Antiquity

One of the most important centres of the ancient world was Ephesus which, throughout history as far back as to the 4th century B.C. has always played an important part in the fields of civilization, knowledge, culture and art. It contains many remains from Greek, Roman and Byzantine times.

The city of Ephesus was first founded in the 6th century B.C. and its history goes back to the Paleolithic period of the Neolithic age. Although its site changed several times during its history the ruins are in general spread over the same wide area. When Ephesus was a great port it had a population of 20,000 people. Since the 16th century Ephesus has dwindled into the town of Selçuk, today a tourist centre.

As well as being one of the great trading centres of the ancient world, Ephesus possessed the famous temple of Artemis, the worship of whom grew out of the ancient cult in honour of the oldest goddess in Anatolia, Kybele, the goddess of Mother- Earth. Some parts of the temple which has remained as a ruin is being exhibited at British Museum.This temple was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and in ancient times the city was visited by as many as 1.5 million people a year.

There are at present 50,000 archaeological items in the Ephesus museum. This number increases daily as a result of the archaeological excavations being carried on in this area.


The East Shelter of the Monocoses...
Foça, which was at one time a member of the Ionia Federation, is today a pleasant, modern tourist centre. Foça, which is a good place for a holiday in any season, is a sanctuary for the Monocos species of seal. Orak Island, where the seals live and play under specially protected conditions, is famous as well for the curiously shaped rocks known as the Sirens and the interesting legend attached to these. The rocks produce strange sounds whenever the wind blows from any direction and tourists also find its vegetation and species of gulls interesting.
 
At the deep...

Avalik, situated in the middle of pine forests, is a place which lends itself to various kinds of tourism. Typical old Greek houses in narrow streets awake interest with their differing interpretations of Greek and Roman neo-classic styles which are also seen to influence the architecture of the houses in the area and the 50 churches or monasteries to be found within the boundaries of Ayvalik.
The special coastal climate of the Aegean attracts divers to Ayvalik in all four seasons. It is also a foremost centre for underwater tourism and has 15 different areas for diving. Immediately opposite Ayvalik is Cunda Island. Many ancient ruins are to be found in the vicinity of Ayvalik. Cunda is a suitable venue for aqua-lung diving. Diving is also possible from Pateriça, at the end of Cunda island, and around the Maden Islands, Güvercin Island, Güney Island, the Ezerbey Rocks, Karaada, Melinda, Üçkale, and the Deli Mehmet Rocks near Ayvalik. It is possible to visit the Greek island of Lesbos from Ayvalik.
The Çamalti Saltpans
Of the total number of 8000 bird species, at least 450 different kinds are to be found in Turkey. Birds whose homes are in Europe or Asia migrate across Turkey which makes it a paradise for ornithologists. From the point of view of bird species the Izmir Saltpan is unmatched throughout the world for its natural environment and it is home to 190 species of bird. Here one can find groups of flamingoes, and kingfishers and the common tern which flies close to the shore also make their home here.

  
The House of the
Virgin Mary

The House of the Virgin Mary is situated at 400 m above sea level towards the top of Mount Bülbül, one of the mountains overlooking Selçuk. After the death of Jesus, the Virgin Mary is said to have come with the Aposte John to Ephesus where she spent the remaining years of her life, until she died at the age of 101.
 

It should be seen
Smyrna, Teos, Ephesus, Phokea, Pergamon, Erythrai, Seljuk, House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, St. Jean Bazilica, Celcius Library, Ephesus Church, Urla, Çesme, Foça, Siren Rocks, The Çamalti Saltpans, Sirince, Küçükkuyu, Assos, Troya, Alexandrea, Babakale, Gökçeada, Bozcaada, Ayvalik, Cunda Island, Sarimsak Island, Seytan Sofrasi, Kaz Mountains.
 
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