About Kusadasi

          Even though not 100% for sure, it is believed that early settlements in Kusadasi were by the Lelegians and Carians who moved from the central Anatolia around the year 3000 BC. They established of a colony on the outskirts of Pilav Mountain in Kusadasi. Mild climate allowed the inhabitants to grow essential products such as olive, grape and figs for extracting oil or making wine and sweets on the fertile lands around the city.

           In the 10th century BC 12 Ionian Cities -Samos, Khios, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus, Teos, Erythrai, Priena, Klazonemi, Lebedos, Phokaia, Colophon, Smyrna, were established and were known for the most developed cities of the age. The annual meeting place of the Ionian League, Panionian, was founded around Kusadasi; and the cities of Phygale, Marathesion and Neopolis were established within the borders of the city.

          The city was invaded by Persians around the year 546 BC. In 200 BC Kusadasi and its environs were dominated by the Roman Empire. As the changes in climate caused serious earthquakes and changed the route of Caystros River, Ephesus was mostly destroyed and lost its prior importance. Byzantines now was forced to search for a new port and a new road that would be suitable for trading. Scala Nuova was the name of this new port which added a new trading centre to historical cities such as Ania, Melia, Phygale and Neopolis, that have created the early foundations of today's Kusadasi. By the 15th century, Scala Nuova was under the domination of the Venetian and Genoese sailors and traders who established consulates here.

           The advantageous position of Kusadasi at the end of the important trade roads such as the Silk Road -once held by Ephesus, influenced the development of the city as a centre of trade. Kusadasi was ruled by the Ottoman Empire after 1413. During the reign of Ottomans, glorious new structures were built in Kusadasi Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal legacy of the Ottoman architecture in the city, and was built by the man of the same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet I and Osman II. The fortress is gates and walls and many mosques in the centre of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of the castle in Pigeon Island, were built in the Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style of the era.

           After the First World War, Kusadasi was invaded by the Greeks (1919). The city won a long struggle and in September 7th, 1922 and became a part of Turkish Republic.

           Today Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principle holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the west coast of Turkey- 100km south of Izmir, Kusadasi is known as for one of the most attractive city of the Aegean, as it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, and Miletos,Claros,Notion.