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Aphrodisias and Highland Wonders

Aphrodisias Museum and Archaeological Site

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Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, is renowned for its well-preserved monuments and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017. Founded in the 6th century BCE, the city became a major religious center during the Roman period and was known for its famous Sculpture School, benefiting from nearby marble deposits. Notable monuments include the best-preserved ancient stadium, which could seat 30,000 people, and the Temple of Aphrodite. Aphrodisias was renowned in antiquity as the cult center of a unique version of Aphrodite, blending aspects of an archaic Anatolian fertility goddess with the Hellenic goddess of love and beauty. Marble figures of this Aphrodite, found both at Aphrodisias and across the Mediterranean, highlight the widespread regional and supra-regional significance of the cult. The Aphrodisias Museum displays artifacts from excavations, especially sarcophagi and sculptures. Nearby, Karacasu’s pottery workshops and the Sırtlanini Cave are also worth visiting.

Priene Archaeological Site

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The Athena Sanctuary, accessed through the monumental propylon gate, features a 2nd-century BCE altar once adorned with reliefs and a preserved pedestal of Athena's cult statue. The adjacent Theater, unique in Western Anatolia for remaining largely unaltered during the Roman Period, still has the altar of Dionysus by the orchestra. The Bouleuterion, or Prytaneion, served as the city's executive hub, with Hestia's holy fire burning within and a restored altar featuring god busts. The East Gate, once Priene's most magnificent, marked the road to Magnesia. Lastly, the Basilica, built in the 5th to 6th centuries CE, repurposed elements from the Temple of Athena's southern gallery.

Lake Bafa

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Lake Bafa is located in the provinces of Aydın and Muğla and has been filled with alluvial deposits carried by the Menderes River since late antiquity. Latmos Bay was disconnected from the sea and turned into an inland lake in the Middle Ages. Trekking tours conducted under the guidance of local residents showcase little-known features of the region. The area around the lake displays Mediterranean vegetation and is covered in olive groves and pine forests. The largest part of the lake's shores is framed by olive trees. In fact, there is a 2,000-year-old olive tree still standing by the lake’s shores. According to scientific research, eels set out from the Saragosso Sea cross the ocean, pass through the Strait of Gibraltar, and enter the Aegean waters through the Mediterranean Sea. The eels reach Lake Bafa via the Büyük Menderes River, which ends its course in the Aegean Sea. The mystery of how eels found this migration route and how they make this long migration is unknown to this today.

Herakleia ad Latmos

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In ancient times, this region was known by the name of the Great Goddess Lada. Later, the name Lada was changed to Latmus, and the city was named after this deity. In the early 3rd century BCE, the city was under the control of Pleistarchus from the Ptolemaic Dynasty for a decade and was known as Pleistarcheia. It was later renamed Alexandreia on the Latmus coast by Lysimachus, but these names did not become permanent. The exact date of the city's founding is unknown, though it was mentioned during the Miletus-Magnesia War in the 2nd century BCE. Its significance grew during the Roman period after gaining independence. When it became a bishopric center in the 7th-9th centuries, numerous churches and monasteries were built. Heracleia at Latmus experienced its golden age in the Hellenistic period. In 287 BCE, Lysimachus extended the city walls, reaching a length of 6.5 km. Following Heracleia’s abandonment, monasteries and churches were constructed in the first half of the 8th century CE. A total of 170 rock paintings symbolizing the transition from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic era have been found.

Latmos - Beşparmak Mountains

Latmos - Beşparmak Mountains's image
Latmos, which had a sacred importance in ancient times, contains interesting natural rock formations formed by the erosion of the rocks eons ago The discovery of an inscription with Luwian hieroglyphs on the Latmos Mountains the present-day Beşparmak Mountains – created a big interest in the history of this region. The Prehistoric rock paintings of human figures found in a cave at the foot of Mount Latmos date back to 7,000 – 8,000 BCE, and are the proof of the rich cultural and settled life in the region. You can reach the cave in a 45-minute walk on the pathway, which has been used for transportation to olive groves and monasteries and for ritual walks for years. Yediler Monastery (Yediler Manastırı), which seems to have disappeared among the interesting rock formations of Latmos, is a treasure worth seeing with its frescoes painted on the rocks. There are many Eastern Roman monasteries, monk caves and shelters on the Latmos Rocks (Latmos Taşları).

Karacasu Pottery and Ceramic Workshops

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Unlock an interactive experience at the Karacasu Pottery and Ceramic Workshops, nestled in the warm and welcoming province of Aydın, Türkiye. Delve into the heart of Turkish artistry, where creativity and craftsmanship intertwine forming exquisitely crafted pieces of pottery and ceramic art. This hidden gem is the epitome of unique Turkish charm. Explore the vibrant workshop environment, where local artisans exhibit their skills, transforming raw clay into stunning works of art, right before your very eyes. Every piece tells a story and shares a piece of Türkiye's rich cultural heritage. Feel the artisans' passion and dedication, passed down through generations, as they mould, shape, and intricately design each piece, reminding us of the beautiful blend of tradition and innovation that is characteristic of Aydın. Karacasu, in Aydın province, is globally acclaimed for its pottery and ceramic craftsmanship. An embodiment of cultural preservation, the workshops serve as an enlightening learning experience for those interested in the process. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a traveller looking for a memorable encounter, the Karacasu Pottery and Ceramic Workshops must top your travel itinerary. Come, treat yourself to a mesmerizing journey to Aydın, Türkiye. Immerse yourself in an environment where artistry blooms, where each piece of pottery expresses the heart and soul of Karacasu. Connect with Turkish artisans by joining the urge to preserve the world-renowned local craft, that is worth every bit of your time and admiration. Visit Aydın; visit Karacasu Pottery and Ceramic Workshops. You won't just take home a piece of pottery — you'll take home a piece of Türkiye.

Kahvederesi Highlands

Located within the boundaries of Karacasu district, on the skirts of Karıncalı Mountain, Kahvederesi Highland is among the places worth seeing with its natural beauties in different colours, highland houses in greenery, various trees and plant species. Kahvederesi Highland is an ideal place to spend a peaceful time in touch with nature, away from city life.There are also hiking and mountain biking routes for nature sports enthusiasts.

Cihanoğlu Mosque

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Cihanoğlu Mosque (Cihanoğlu Cami), located in the Köprübaşı Quarter of Aydın city, was built by Müderris Cihanoğlu Abdülaziz in 1756. Although a mixture of rubble stone and bricks was used in the mosque, which has a square plan and was built on a sloping land, bricks are also seen on some other parts. Cihanoğlu Mosque, which was damaged during the war and occupation periods, was repaired in various years. The restoration of the mosque was completed in 2010 and gained it a more aesthetic appearance.