For history buffs the Aegean Coast region of Southern Turkey is a dream come true and a holiday in Kusadasi makes for the perfect opportunity to see some of the world’s best archaeological sites. But you don’t have to be history mad to appreciate the famous city of Ephesus, less than 30 minutes drive from Kusadasi, and just one of the many historical attractions to see nearby.

 

People have lived in the Kusadasi area since 3000BC when the Leleges people settled here. They were followed by the Aeolians in the 11^th century BC, and the Ionians in the 9^th. Kusadasi has been a port town for well over two thousand years, and though it started out small, it became more important when the original harbour at Ephesus dried up. In later years both the Lydians and Persians lived here until Alexander the Great conquered in 334BC and the Hellenistic people took over.

 

Kusadasi’s colourful history does not end there though as several other great civilisations have also called this place home – the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Genoese. Later it was the Ottomans and the Turks who built most of what you see here today.

 

Since Byzantine times the town and area has gone by several different names, including Ephesus Neopolis, and Scala Nuova (meaning ‘new port’). The name Kusadasi was only adopted in the beginning of the 20^th century and it means ‘Bird Island’.

 

One of the popular attractions to visit while you’re on holiday in Kusadasi is Guvercin Adasi. This is the peninsula that extends out from the shoreline just to the west of the harbour. It’s thought that this ‘island’ is what gave Kusadasi its name as it means Pigeon Island. This attractive spot features a historic fortress that was built by the Genoese in the 14^th century and although it’s an historical attraction it’s now home to some popular cafés and a disco. There are some excellent views of Kusadasi from here too.

 

Another striking historic landmark in the town is the Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravansarai. Its high walls were built to keep the interior safe as it was used as a strong-room for seamen to keep their belongings in, and constructed in 1618. Now it’s a luxury hotel and shopping centre! A mosque was also built in Kusadasi in his name in 1618.

 

As you wander around during your holiday in Kusadasi you should also look out for some of the remaining city walls, once entered through via three gates though now only one city gate remains.