Post by The March Hare on Feb 17, 2006 18:22:49 GMT 1
ÇEÞME
Çeþme is a charming convergence of healing mineral springs, excellent beaches, crystal clear waters and sun, perfect for vacationers. It is located 94 km west of Ýzmir, on the very tip of the peninsula that bears its name. It was called as the 'little harbor' by sailors, but in the course of time, the area became known as Çeþme (Fountain) due to the increasing number of fountains with ice - cold waters. The Erythrai Ancient City excavated in (the village of) Çeþme-Ildýrý, the Castle, Caravanserai and many fountains from Ottoman Period and the other examples of civil architecture in the historical texture of the city compose the historical and archaeological remains of the area.
Today the remains of the Acropolis can be seen on top of the hill which is in the city centre. Small statuettes offered to the Temple of Athena Pallas were found during the excavations in the Acropolis. One of the most important finds is the statue of a woman belonging to Archaic Age. It is on display in the Ýzmir Museum of Archaeology.
History
Çeþme, the port of Erythrai Ancient City, was called as Cyssus in Ancient Times. It was an important settlement area in the 6th century BC. The city developed its trade by establishing relations with Egypt, Cyprus and Western Countries.
Climate
The Mediterranean Climate is dominant in Çeþme. It is quite hot and exposed to the winds blowing from the north.
Where to Visit
Çeþme Castle: The Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II had the castle built in 1508. It bears all the characteristics of Ottoman architecture. Inside the Castle, there is a museum. The finds unearthed in the village of Çeþme-Ildýrý, are on display in this museum. This historical structure is used for the International Çeþme Music Festival which is held between July 2-7 every year. In front of the castle is the statue of Kaptan-ý Derya Gazi Hasan Pasha from Algeria. The statue is with a lion.
Çeþme Museum
In the Çeþme Archeological Museum inside the Çeþme Castle, there is a total of 477 items on display. They were discovered in the district center of Alaçatý and the Kalemburnu region and consist of 320 archeological pieces, 126 ethnographic pieces and31 coins.
Museum Tel: (+90-232)712 66 09
Open hours to visit: 08.30-12.00/13.00-17.00
Open days to visit: Everday except Monday
Caravanserai: The caravanserai, built in 1529 by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, consists of two storeys.The rectangular structure has a central courtyard with shops, storage depots and other rooms around the perimeter. This historical building is now being used as a hotel and provides excellent shopping for those interested in gift items, leather clothing or high-quality Turkish rugs. At night the restaurants, bars and discos surrounding the inn make for a lively atmosphere.
The Mastic Trees
Having been discovered 6000 years ago, the mastic trees of Çeþme are definitely worth seeing.Raký (alcoholic drink) is being flavoured with mastic.Also Mastic Jelly is made of these trees.
Besides its use in the kitchen, it is also used in the manufacture of medicine and paint. The doctors of ancient Greece made a variety of medicines from this plant for rabies, snake-bites, stomach, liver and intestinal conditions. After the 10th century, the fame of the mastic tree spread beyond Sakýz Island to the wholeworld. The plant is now used for a variety of purposes in 25 different national pharmaceutical firms. It has has a very pleasant fragrance. Galinos says, "This is excellent for chronic bouts of coughing." Today six different products are made from the plant and it is a superior ulcer medicine, in addition to being good for high blood-pressure. It is also used for diabetes and high cholesterol. It is important in the treatment of cancer and cirrhosis. The importance and benefits of this plant originating on Sakýz Island and spreading from here to the entire world is better understood day by day.
THERMAL SPRINGS
Çeþme Hot Springs: One of the most interesting and rare places in the world, the springs are right on the coast near the Çeþme Hot Springs beach on the Ýzmir - Çeþme road 5 km from Çeþme. The water temperature is around 58ºC and contains sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. The waters are good for those suffering from chronic rheumatism, problems arising from poor metabolism, such as gout and obesity, as well as rickets, skin conditions, gynecological disorders, and liver and urinary tract conditions. There are modern facilities in the vicinity of the Hot Springs, which even have thermal pools and baths inside them. Transportation to the springs is provided by the Çeþme buses which leave from Üçkuyular.
Þifne (Reisdere) Thermal Spring and Mud Baths: Located 5 km northeast of the Çeþme Hot Springs on a small peninsula in the Þifne bay, the thermal springs have accommodations and restaurants nearby.There is a large common pool with benches in the water. The water contains sodium, chlorine and calcium and the 38ºC waters are radioactive (5.3 eman). The waters are good for people with rheumatism, rickets, gynecological disorders,
urinary tract infections, stomach and intestinal conditions and skin conditions like eczema and boils.
THE YACHT HARBORS
The province of Izmir, especially the southern tip of the Çeþme peninsula is one of the primary yacht circuits in the country. The route from Çeþme to Kuþadasý has the most developed yachting infrastructure. The harbor at Çeþme can be used by both yachts and commercial vessels and has docking space for two small cargo vessels. The yacht section of the harbor was designed to accommodate 150 yachts. In the winter many fishing boats use the harbor while yachts predominate in the summer.
Alaçatý Harbor: Located south of Alaçatý, it is paradise for yachting enthusiasts with its rows of small coves. The dock can hold up to 80 boats and offers a variety of services for yachts.
Çeþme-Altýnyunus Yacht Harbor: Having a capacity for up to 70 big boats and 40 small ones, this harbor offers every type of yacht maintenance. The harbor is able to provide water, electricity, telephones, maintenance, repair and wintering services.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Camp - Caravan: The Grand Harbor (Büyük Liman) and Paþa Harbor coves are excellent places to camp and have many summer residences. The natural beaches and camping areas in the area of Ildýrý, the ancient city of Erythrai, are perfect for those wanting a touch of history and nature.
Hunting: Çeþme is an excellent place for those who like hunting. The most interesting and exciting hunt is without a doubt wild hogs. After permission is received from the proper authorities, everyone can participate in this thrilling venture. There are also quite a few partridges and rabbits in Çeþme. These animals are most plentiful in the hunting season between September and December, which is the hunting season. Those interested in hunting can visit Çeþme during the winter as well.
Wind Surfing: Alaçatý is one of the most interesting surfing areas in Europe and offers a variety not found in many places. It is located in a V-shaped cove with crystal clear water and is surrounded with lush vegetation. The changing winds and perfect conditions make it one of the best surfing areas in Europe.
The best thing about Alaçatý is that the winds blow from the land to the sea , and no matter how hard the wind blows the waves in the sea stay about the same. Therefore Alaçatý is a safe place for wind surfing.
What to Eat
The local cuisine is made up of mostly seafood. You should definitely try the sea bass, bream, octopus and oysters while there. Other Çeþme delicacies include "þeker iþi" served with a special fig jam, "kuru sýkma" (a flat wrappedbread), goose drumsticks, almond milk and a grilled sandwich called "kumru." The delicious melons and artichokes raised here are exported throughout the world.
Don't Leave Without
Seeing the International Çeþme Music Festival,
Bathing in the thermal springs of Çeþme,
Tasting the olives, and the wine made from the grapes of Çeþme.
