Dikili
Nestled along the tranquil shores of the Aegean Sea in western Turkey, Dikili is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Blessed with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and ancient ruins, this charming coastal town offers visitors a serene retreat amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Dikili’s history stretches back to antiquity, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years. The town’s strategic location has made it a crossroads of civilizations, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Byzantines and Ottomans, leaving behind a rich tapestry of archaeological wonders and historical landmarks.
One of the highlights of Dikili is its stunning coastline, dotted with secluded coves, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can unwind on sun-kissed shores, swim in the refreshing sea, or embark on boat tours to explore hidden bays and offshore islands, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the Aegean.
For history enthusiasts, Dikili offers a wealth of ancient ruins and archaeological sites to explore. The nearby ancient city of Atarneus, once home to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, boasts impressive remains, including a well-preserved theater, agora, and city walls, providing a glimpse into the town’s storied past.
Dikili’s vibrant town center is a charming blend of old and new, with traditional Turkish houses mingling with modern amenities. Visitors can wander through bustling markets, sample local delicacies at family-run eateries, and sip çay (Turkish tea) at sidewalk cafes, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal town.
Nature lovers will delight in the scenic landscapes surrounding Dikili, with lush olive groves, pine-clad hills, and fragrant citrus orchards stretching as far as the eye can see. The nearby Kaz Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring pristine wilderness areas, while thermal springs provide a soothing retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Whether basking in the sun on its tranquil beaches, uncovering the secrets of its ancient past, or simply enjoying its natural beauty, Dikili offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting them to discover the hidden treasures of Turkey’s Aegean coast.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES
MUSEUMS
Pergamum Acropolis
Pergamum is a district that is located in Western Anatolia, at North of Izmir. This important cultural center with its rich history hosts archaeological ruins and artifacts that have been protected until today. Bergama is established on a hill. Archaeological data achieved from this hill indicates that history of this city goes back to VII – VI Centuries B.C. However, researches performed on Kaikos valley where ancient city is located, indicates that this region was inhabited since earlier ages. Pergamum name means a citadel and the suffix “amon” indicates that it comes from Luwi language or Western Anatolian languages.
Asclepion
In the IV century BC, there was a treatment center established in the name of Asclepius, the god of health, outside the acropolis of Pergamon. It had the title of the most important treatment center of Western Anatolia with its advanced architectural layout and treatment methods.The remains of the Asclepion belong to the arrangements built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century AD. Asclepieion shows the characteristic of being a sanctuary in earlier periods than the date of its foundation. But its development starts from the IVth century BC.
Red Basilica
The Temple of Serapis, one of the most magnificent structures of ancient Pergamon alongside the Acropolis and the Asclepion, was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) and dedicated to the Egyptian God Serapis. Serapis was originally the local god of Sinop, but in a grand ceremony he was taken from Sinop to Alexandria in Egypt and given an Egyptian-Elen character. One of the cylindrical towers on either side of the temple dedicated to Isis and Harpocrates was used as a mosque from the Ottoman period and after being closed for a while, it was reopened to worship under the name Kurtuluş Mosque with the restoration completed in 2018.
Bergama Archeological Museum
The majority of the archaeological artifacts in the exhibition consist of artifacts unearthed during excavations in and around the Acropolis, Asclepion, Kızılavlu (Basilica), Musalla Cemetery and the surrounding area. The chronology used in the exhibition of the artifacts covers a wide time period from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman period. Bowls, jars, vessels, beak-mouthed vessels for daily use or votive purposes constitute the bronze period artifact groups. Local productions of ancient Pergamon, megara bowls, appliquéd ceramics, pergamon sigillata, oil lamps, and Cistophorus coins minted for the first time in Pergamon are other noteworthy artifact groups.
