Aydın

Aydın is the capital city of Aydın province in western Turkey. The present population is 143,267. It is at the center of the fertile Menderes valley. Today it is one of the major cities of Turkey`s Aegian region enjoying a prosperous and rapidly growing economy. Its modern industry caters to the domestic market. The agricultural sector produces the world famous Turkish figs, olives, strawberries and cotton. The region has been producing figs since ancient times. 


This fertile region has been the cradle of several civilizations. The hand of history therefore hangs heavily on this place, leaving no visitor untouched. 

The climate is hot with temperatures averaging 35 degree C in summers and 19 degree C in winters. 

Aydın is well connected by road and rail to all parts of Turkey and is therefore an easily accessible holiday destination.

This historically rich region is strewn with remains in varying states of preservation. The later Muslim period ruins are obviously in a better state. 

The Agacarasi Camii is a splendid 1565  baroque mosque. Also worth seeing is the domed fourteenth Alihan Kumbeti mausoleum in Uveys Pasa, particularly the brick mosaic above the entrance. 

An outstanding example of a Turkish baroque style mosque with its lavish decorations is the Cihanoglu Camii. It was built in 1756. 

The most beautiful mosque in Aydin is perhaps the Suleiman Bey Camii near the station. It has a pyramidal domed roof and is another fine example of Turkish baroque construction. 

The Aydin museum`s collection mostly comprises exhibits from Tralles. It also has an interesting ethnographic section devoted to the region. 

The ruins of ancient Tralles lie here surrounded by olive groves. This part of Aydin is a restricted military zone and special permission is needed to enter it. The remains of a stadium have been found but very little of its structure exists. Nearby are the ruins of a theatre built against the side of the Acropolis. In the past the 280m high acropolis was supplied water by a high-pressure conduit. 

Close by are two ruined Byzantine churches with interesting ground plans, which you may care to see. 

There are also the ruins of a big late Roman gymnasium in the form of three ruined arches. The brick walls of this building had a marble facing 

Very little remains of the city walls which once enclosed a space measuring 1,800m by 1000m.