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 centers; 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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