The Interior Aegean

THE INTERIOR AEGEAN

THE INTERIOR AEGEAN REGION

Inland from the Aegean sea, the fertile soil has endured the passage of many important early civilizations. Today, the remains of these cultures can still be seen in the countryside as well as in the cities, towns and villages. The more recent legacy of Ottoman rule is apparent in the well preserved traditional Turkish domestic architecture and Ottoman mosques. Leisure resorts have been built around the region's hot springs and can accommodate those seeking the medicinal waters' pleasurable and beneficial effects.

MANISA

 An attractive Aegean city, Manisa has preserved several splendid examples of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. The Sultan Mosque was built early in the 16th century, endowed by Ayse Sultana, mother of Suleyman the Magnificent. Every year in April, on the grounds of this mosque, a festival is held celebrating Mesir Macunu, a sticky imperial elixir, that reputedly cured the sultan's ailing mother. The 16th century Muradiye Mosque was designed by the great architect Sinan and the adjacent medrese, or theological college, today houses the Archaeological Museum. September sees the annual Harvest Festival when the fruits of the vineyards are brought in with great celebration. The region's numerous vineyards produce grapes for wine making and dried fruit for export. South of the city lies the Sipil Dagi National Park, home of the famous "crying rock" of Niobe. If you travel to the northeast, you come to Gordes, a pleasant town particularly known for its fine carpets.

The ruins of ancient Sart (Sardis), once the capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus, lie on the Sart Cayi (Pactole River). The Temple of Artemis and a restored gymnasium testify to the city's past splendor as does the important third century synagogue.

USAK

Historically Usak was an important carpet weaving center, a role it continues to play to this day. Tourists find the archaeological museum informative and interesting.

AFYON

An inaccessible and imposing citadel dating to Byzantine times overlooks this provincial city. The fortress guarded the route between the coast and the interior of Anatolia. The Archaeological Museum and the War of Independence Memorial reveal Afyon's place in history. Monumental bas-reliefs, a legacy of the Phrygian kingdom, are carved into rock faces on hills north of the city. Aslantas is the largest; at Aslankaya lion reliefs are engraved into the sides of the rock.

KUTAHYA

 The kilns of Kutahya produced exquisite ceramics in the 16th and 17th centuries -- a craft which lives today. You can visit the workshops where skilled artisan produce tiles, plates and bowls renowned for cobalt blue patterns on a milky white background. Southwest of Kutahya, stands the Roman town of Cavdarhisar (Aizanoi) of which a theater, stadium and the Temple of Zeus remain. Murat Mountain, in the same direction offers camping facilities and hot springs amid delightful scenery. Near Dumlupinar are the Baskomutan National Park and the War of Independence memorials.