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trading. The area around Neopolis was found convenient
by the Greek, Jewish, and Armenian merchants as a port in
place of the port of Ephesus. "Scala Nova" was
the name of this new port which added a new trading
center to the prior historical cities such as Ania,
Melia, Phygale and Neopolis,that have created the early foundations of today's
Kusadasi. By the coming of the 15th
century, "Scala Nova" was under the domination
of the Venetian and Genoese sailors and traders who
established consulates here. The Turkish domination in the area entered
upon the invasion of Seljukian Kilic Arslan the 2nd.
The advantageous position of Kusadasi as its being at the
end of the important trade roads such as Silk Road - once
held by Ephesus, influenced the development of the city
in trading, positively.
Kusadasi began to be
ruled by the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of Sultan
Mehmet Celebi in the year of 1413. During the reign of
Ottomans, Kusadasi was introduced to glorious structures,
giving a new look to its former spectacular view. Okuz
Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal of Ottoman
architecture in the city, was built by the man of the
same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan
Ahmet1 and Osman2. The fortress gates &walls and many
mosques in the center 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. "Kusadasi " that means "bird
island" took its name from the Pigeon Island.
After the First
World War, Kusadasi was invaded by the Greeks(1919). The
city won a long struggle for in 1922 and became a part of
Turkish Republic. Izmir was the capital of Kusadasi until
1954. Then the capital was changed to Aydin and the city
of Kusadasi has shown a good deal of development,
especially in tourism.
Today, Kusadasi is
one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centres; a
perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches and
glassy water. The contrast of the lively holiday life
with the quietness of ancient ruins create the special
atmosphere of the city.
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