Acıpayam

Acıpayam

Acıpayam
—  District  —
1801-built Yazır Mosque with original architecture in Acıpayam and plane tree in its courtyard
Coordinates: 37°26′N 29°21′E / 37.433°N 29.35°E / 37.433; 29.35Coordinates: 37°26′N 29°21′E / 37.433°N 29.35°E / 37.433; 29.35
Countr  Turkey
Region Aegean
Province Denizli
Municipalities 2
Government
 - Mayor
 - Prefect
Area
 - District 1,700 km2 (656.4 sq mi)
Elevation 950 m (3,117 ft)
Population (2010)
 Urban 12,965
Time zone EET (UTC+3)
 - Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code
Licence plate 20
Website Acıpayam Municipality
Prefecture of Acıpayam

Acıpayam is a town and a rural district of Denizli Province in high country between the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey. A plain, watered by two reservoirs, known for growing melons and watermelons, on the road between the city of Denizli and Antalya. It covers an area of 1700 km², and the altitude is 950 m. The district has a population of 57,533 of which 12,965 live in the town of Acıpayam.

Contents

Etymology

The name Acıpayam means almond in the local dialect, the town was formerly named Garbipayam and Garbikaraağaç.

History

The plain has been settled since 2000 BC, and Hittites were here in 1500 BC, followed by the Ancient Greeks and more civilizations up to the Byzantines and then the arrival of the Turkish peoples. From 1097 the area was in the hands of the Seljuk Turks. Turkish rule was interrupted by the Crusades but afterwards was settled by the Oghuz Turks and eventually was absorbed into the Ottoman Empire.

Acıpayam today

As well as agriculture some of Denizli's textile industry has spread to Acıpayam too, where there is a cellulose factory. In the past the people would migrate seasonally to pick tobacco or cotton in other parts of Turkey, today this is not necessary.

Places of interest

  • Keloğlan Cave - a 145m long cave, open to visitors.

See also

  • Acıpayam (sheep)
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