Kus adasi is one of the well known tourist attraction centers of Turkey which is located on the Aegean Sea coastline as noted for capital cruise ports of the country. It belongs to province of Aydın, 71 kms far away from Aydın and 90 kms to Izmir, only 15 kms is the distance to Ephesus, one of the most visited archeological sites of this area , so excellent location makes the town of Kusadasi as the most important vacation center of Aegean region. It covers an area of 264 square kms and its population is around 130,000.
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NAME
In Turkish, Kusadasi means “Pigeon Island.” The name is derived from the Turkish words “kus” (pigeon) and “adasi” (island). Despite having other names such as Scala Nouva, Ine, and Guvercinada, the town has been known as Kusadası since 1960. The pigeons are the symbol of the town, as it is named after them.
HISTORY
Kusadasi was established as an alternative port and naval base for Ephesus prior to the decline of the latter due to earthquakes and malaria in the late 7th century AD during the Byzantine period. In the 9th century, the Knights of Rhodes captured the town and built a fort on the island as a military base. The Knights and Byzantine troops engaged in a major struggle for control of the town during the Medieval Age. In 1413, the Ottoman troops took over the town and made it one of their naval bases for fighting the Venetians in the Mediterranean Sea. The great Ottoman admiral, Barbarossa, restored the castle in 1534, and the town became known as the military base of Barbarossa. In 1826, during the Greek rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, the town was invaded by Greek troops. The Ottomans later recaptured the town, but Kusadasi was damaged during World War I due to bombing from British war ships. The town was under Italian rule for about three years before being saved by Turkish troops on September 7th, 1922.
Kusadasi holds an important place in the Turkish tourism industry, as it was the first town in Turkey to have tourist facilities. European tourists started visiting the town in the 1960s, and the residents of Kusadasi quickly learned the tourism business. As a result, hotels and pensions were built in a short time, and Kusadasi became one of the best vacation centers in Turkey within two decades. Its location near Greece and 26-mile-long coastline made it one of the main cruise ports of the Aegean. The harbor, with two quays, was built between 1980 and 1995 and became capable of accommodating big cruise liners. In 2001, a turning point for the town’s fate was reached when Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, two leading cruise companies, applied to the Turkish government to run the tourism business in the Eastern Mediterranean. This led to an influx of tourists and made Kusadasi the capital of cruise ships and the busiest port in Turkey in recent years.
Ephesus was a Roman city and one of the three largest Roman cities with a population of 250,000 in the Roman world for 300 years. It served as the capital city of the Roman province of Asia during the Roman era. Located just 15 km from Kusadasi and only a 20-minute drive away, the Ephesus archaeological site covers over 200 acres and is still being excavated by an Austrian archeological team from June to October. A visit to Ephesus is a must for anyone coming to Kusadasi, as it boasts impressive structures such as theaters, libraries, agoras, and more. To ensure you don’t miss out on this historic gem, be sure to make a trip to Ephesus during your stay in Kusadasi.
The House of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been the residence of Mary, is located 20 km away from Kusadasi and can be reached by coach in 30 minutes. It is considered a holy site by both Christians and Muslims and attracts millions of visitors annually. The house is situated atop Mount Nightingale, surrounded by olive trees, and exudes a serene atmosphere. Priests and nuns appointed by the Vatican are always available to perform holy mass, and a regular mass is held at 10.30 am every Sunday.
BASILICA OF ST.JOHN
The Basilica of St. John, located in the ancient city of Ephesus, is a well-known Byzantine monument, built in the 6th century AD. It is believed to be built on the former tomb of John the Apostle, who was promised by Jesus on the cross. The basilica features a baptismal pool, the tomb of John the Evangelist as a biblical author, a large nartex and impressive Maltese columns, making it a must-visit for history and religious enthusiasts. Visitors to the basilica can take in the rich history and architectural beauty of this important landmark.
TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS
The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in honor of the Greek goddess Artemis, also known as Roman Diana. It was considered the center of the pagan world for over a thousand years before the legalization of Christianity by Constantine the Great. The temple was said to have had 127 tall columns.
SIRINCE VILLAGE
Sirince Village is a unique example of cultural heritage preservation in Turkey and is known for its fusion of Greek and Turkish cultures, reflecting in its cuisine and folklore. The majority of the village’s population is the result of a population exchange agreement between Turkey and Greece in 1925. The village is famous for its homemade wine and delicious pastries, and is just 7 kilometers away from Selcuk town.
EPHESUS MUSEUM
The Ephesus Museum, previously the most important but smallest museum in the Izmir province, is currently undergoing expansion and is closed. The local government, with the support of Turkey, decided to expand the museum and it is expected to become the largest and most important museum displaying artifacts from the excavations of Ephesus once the construction is completed.
Kusadasi, Turkey is a prime tourist destination with its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From its ancient ruins, such as the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus, to the picturesque Sirince Village, Kusadasi has something to offer for everyone. The house of the Virgin Mary and the basilica of St. John the Apostle are also major attractions for religious tourists. The beautiful beaches, warm climate, and delicious cuisine make Kusadasi an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation. But why visit Kusadasi, specifically?
First, Kusadasi has a long and fascinating history. The ancient city of Ephesus was once a thriving center of commerce and culture, and its well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the past. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is also located in Kusadasi and is a testament to the incredible architectural feats of the ancient world. The house of the Virgin Mary and the basilica of St. John the Apostle are also important historical sites that hold great significance for many religious communities.
Second, Kusadasi offers stunning natural beauty. The Aegean coast is known for its crystal-clear waters, gorgeous beaches, and lush vegetation. Sirince Village, nestled in the hills, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beautiful countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, is a delight for nature lovers.
Third, Kusadasi is a hub of cultural activity. The Sirince Village is a unique blend of Turkish and Greek cultures, reflecting the history of the region. The local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by both cultures, is a delight for foodies. The warm and friendly people of Kusadasi are also a big draw, making visitors feel welcome and at home.
In conclusion, Kusadasi, Turkey is a destination that truly has it all. From its rich history to its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone. And with Tour Maker Turkey, you can experience it all with ease. Our team of experts will craft a tour tailored to your interests, making sure you get the most out of your visit to Kusadasi. So why wait? Book your tour to Kusadasi, Turkey today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!