The ancient Phocaea, Foca once formed part of the Ionian Federation.
Today it is a modern lively holiday village on two deep bays. The pleasant
accommodations, clean beaches and inviting restaurants make it an
attractive vacation spot. Those seeking the perfect tan find the natural
Terraces of Siren Rock Island perfect for sunbathing.
Bergama (Pergamum), once a great center of culture, survives as one of
Turkey's finest archaeological sites. In the Acropolis, on a hill above the
modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and
impressive theater, the temples of Trojan and Dionysus, the monumental
altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three
terraces and the agora. The Asclepion, located to the southwest of the
lower city, was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios. In
town, visit the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum originally the
site of a temple dedicated to Serapis and subsequently converted by the
Byzantines into a basilica.
Dikili, frequented by cruise liners bringing visitors to Pergamum, is
Bergama's harbor town. It offers a relaxing atmosphere; many pleasant
restaurants line the Kordon Promenade. A stop at the liytle post of
Candarli, the ancient Pitane, is recommended in order to see the Genoese
fortress, one of the best preserved in Turkey.
Nearby, the Seytan Sofrasi (Devil's Table) offers a splendid panorama of
the archipelago along to the peninsula of Sarmisakli and the little island
of Alibey (Cunda) where there are pleasant seafood restaurants.
The Gulf of Edremit, also known as the Olive Riviera, has a number of
charming seaside resorts. Kucukkuyu, Altinoluk, Akcay (a thermal center
with numerous springs), Edremit and Oren, all with beautiful beaches, ring
the Gulf of Edremit and offer visitors a wide choice of hotels and guest
houses with views of the sea. According to mythology, it was in this
region that the world's first beauty contest was held.
Under the shadow of Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida, 1774 meters) in Pinarbasi, west of
Akcay, Paris gave the golden apple to Aphrodite in the famous "Judgement
of Paris."
Around the acropolis lie the ruins of the famous Temple of Athena, built
during the sixth century B.C. You can take in the magnificent vista of the
Gulf of Edremit from the top of the acropolis. Below lies a tiny and idyllic
fishing village with restored guest houses and restaurants.
In 1451, Sultan Mehmet II, later the conqueror of Istanbul, built one
fortress on the European side of the Dardanelles at Kilitbahir and one on
the opposite shore at Cimenlik to control the passage of ships through the
strait. Today the Cimenlik fortress serves as a military museum dedicated
to the Canakkale Battle of 1915, one of the most celebrated of World War I.
To honor the 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives at Gelibolu (Gallipoli),
the peninsula was created a national park. It includes memorial
monuments, the Ariburnu Cliffs and Tuz Golu. The beauty of the green hills,
sandy beaches and blue waters provides an honored resting place for the
soldiers who bravely fought and died in this historic battle. You cannot
help but feel the special spirit of this place, sense the heart of the Turkish
nation, and understand the warning which emerges from this spit of land.
Homer, in the lliad, immortalized Truva (Troy) with the stories of King
Priam, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Archaeological excavations
have revealed nine separate periods of settlement and ruins of city walls,
house foundations, a temple and a theater. A symbolic wooden Trojan
horse commemorates the famed war.
Ayvalik is a small, charming port situated amid beautiful pine woods.
Today the village of Behramkale surrounds the site of ancient Assos.
CANAKKALE
The city of Canakkale lies at to the narrow (1200 meters wide) entrance
to the Dardanelles strait that connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean.
Passenger and car ferries run daily between Canakkale, on the Asian side,
and Eceabat and Kilitbahir, on the European side. Yachts navigating the
straits stop at the well equipped Canakkale Marina to allow tourists more
time in the area. Hotels, restaurants and cafes along the promenade offer
a place to enjoy the comings and goings of the harbor and views of the
Kilitbahir Fortress.
