Selçuk

Selçuk
Town
The grand Byzantine fortress of Selçuk on Ayasoluk Hill

Location of Selçuk within İzmir Province.
Selçuk
Location of Selçuk within İzmir Province.
Coordinates: 37°57′N 27°22′E / 37.950°N 27.367°E / 37.950; 27.367Coordinates: 37°57′N 27°22′E / 37.950°N 27.367°E / 37.950; 27.367
Country  Turkey
Region Aegean
Province İzmir
Government
 • Mayor Dahi Zeynel Bakıcı (AKP)
 • Governor Ayhan Boyacı
Area[1]
 • District 279.85 km2 (108.05 sq mi)
Population (2012)[2]
 • Urban 28,213
 • District 34,587
 • District density 120/km2 (320/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code 35920
Area code(s) 232
Vehicle registration 35 Lxx XX
Website www.selcuk.bel.tr

Selçuk is the central town of Selçuk district, İzmir Province in Turkey, 2 kilometres (1 mile) northeast of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Its original Greek name, Agios Theologos (Άγιος Θεολόγος), referred to John the Theologian.

In the 14th century, it was the capital of the Emirate of Aydin, and visited by Ibn Battuta. He noted, "The congregational mosque in this city is one of the most magnificent mosques in the world and unequaled in beauty."[3] Under the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Ayasoluk. In 1914, it was renamed Selçuk after the Seljuk Turks who first led incursions into the region in the 12th century.

Three periods of history in Selçuk: Temple of Artemis (front), Isa Bey Mosque built by the Seljuk Turks (middle), the Byzantine castle (far)
The Isa Bey Mosque on Ayasoluk Hill
Selçuk town and castle in 1970

It was a township in Kuşadası district till 1957, when it became a district itself. Its neighbours are Torbalı from north, Tire from northeast, Germencik from east, Kuşadası from south, Aegean Sea from west and Menderes (formerly Cumaovası) from northwest.

Selçuk is one of the most visited tourist destinations within Turkey, known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Seljuk works of art. The 6th century Basilica of St. John the Apostle, which, some claim, is built on the site of the Apostle's tomb, is also inside the town. The old quarter of Selçuk retains much traditional Turkish culture.

Ayasoluk Hill dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosque built by the Aydinids in 1375, and the Grand Fortress.

Selçuk town and Isa Bey mosque from the castle in 1970

Ephesus Beach (Turkish: Pamucak) is one of the longest beaches (12 km) in Turkey and hosts five large hotels.

Sport

The youth football teams of the İzmir-based sports club Altınordu S.K. play their home matches in the Altınordu Selçuk-Efes Football Complex, which is located WSW of Selçuk. With five football fields, the venue is the largest in İzmir Province.[4]

Notable people

International relations

Twin towns – Sister cities

Selçuk is twinned with:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Area of regions (including lakes), km²". Regional Statistics Database. Turkish Statistical Institute. 2002. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
  2. ↑ "Population of province/district centers and towns/villages by districts - 2012". Address Based Population Registration System (ABPRS) Database. Turkish Statistical Institute. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
  3. ↑ Battutah, Ibn (2002). The Travels of Ibn Battutah. London: Picador. pp. 111, 310. ISBN 9780330418799.
  4. ↑ Ertaç, Gürkan (2014-05-04). "'Önce Tesis' Dedi". Yeni Asır (in Turkish). Retrieved 2015-10-02.

  • Report: "Selçuk, 30 p." Check |url= value (help) (in Turkish). İzmir Chamber of Commerce. 2007. External link in |publisher= (help)
  • Selçuk District, governmental site
  • Selçuk travel guide from Wikivoyage
  • Şirince Travel Guide
  • Pictures of Selçuk
  • Şirince Accommodation Guide
  • Images of Selçuk Ayasoluk
  • Selçuk Guide
  • Şirince Information Guide
  • Exploring St Johns Basilica and other ruins
  • Alert - Travel scam operating in Selçuk

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