Kusadasi - The perfect combination of history and nature

   Kusadasi, as many know, takes its name from the small islet of Guvercinada (Pigeon Island) in the bay. The island, now the site for a number of tourism facilities, was connected to the mainland for security reasons following the Moria Rebellion in 1834. Although the date of the first settlement in Kusadasi is unknown it is clear that it goes back in time. In 3000 BC the Karia came from Anatolia and settled here. In 12th century BC, it became a part of the Ionian League and was then known as Panionia. In 546 BC, the Persians came here had seized the entire coastline, with Kusadasi then being taken over by the Romans in 200 BC. This naturally was followed by the Byzantine era and with the neighboring city of Ephesus losing its popularity, kusadasi became more prosperous. With its natural port it became a center of trade. In 1071, it came under the control of the Selcuk Turks and in 1413 was seized by Ottomans. The Ottomans made use of the port as a trading center for agricultural products brought over the Silk Road running through China, Central Asia and Anatolia. Although it never was a major center, Kusadasi was always an important port, having strong links with Levantine communities. Until the First World War many Jews, Genovese, Venetians and Greeks lived here. After the war, with the population exchange, the Greeks went to Greece and Turks, especially those from Crete, were settled in the area.