Selçuk

Submitted by editor on Wed, 03/24/2010 - 03:13

Selçuk

Selçuk
—  Town  —
The grand fortress of Selçuk on Ayasoluk Hill
Location of Selçuk within Turkey.
Country  Turkey
Region Aegean
Province İzmir
Government
 - Mayor Hüseyin Vefa Ülgür (CHP)
 - Governor Aziz İnci
Area
 - Total 295 km2 (113.9 sq mi)
Population
 - Total 36.180
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 - Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code 35920
Area code(s) 232
Licence plate 35
Website http://www.selcuk.bel.tr
Three periods of history in Selçuk: Temple of Artemis (front), Isa Bey Mosque built by the Seljuk Turks (middle), the Ottoman castle (far)
The Isa Bey Mosque on Ayasoluk Hill

Selçuk is the central town of Selçuk district, İzmir Province in Turkey, 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Kuşadası, 2 km (1 mi) northeast of Ephesus.

Its original Greek name Agios Theológos (Άγιος Θεολόγος) referred to John the Theologian. Under the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Ayasoluk (Ottoman Turkish: Ayasluğ). In 1914, it was renamed Selçuk after the Seljuk Turks who settled in the region in the 12th century.

It was a township in Kuşadası district till 1954 and Torbalı between 1954-1957. It finally became a district in 1957. 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 touristic 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 remains generally retaining traditional Turkish culture and locality.

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

The Selçuk Ephesus Airport and Selçuk Training Center of the Turkish Aeronautical Association is only 3 kilometers away from Selçuk, offering piloting, parachuting, and microlight training.

The annual camel wrestling championship takes place in Selçuk in the Winter, near Ephesus.

Contents

See also

  • Ephesus
  • Temple of Artemis
  • House of the Virgin Mary
  • Basilica of St. John
  • Şirince

Selçuk-Ephesus Beach (Pamucak) Hotels

  • Ephesus Princess *****
  • Aqua Fantasy Hotel&Aquapark *****
  • Sürmeli Ephesus *****
  • Richmond Ephesus *****
  • BurccluB ****

Twin cities

Settlements in Selçuk District, İzmir, Turkey
Municipalities:
Selçuk · Belevi
 Shows the Location of İzmir province

Coordinates: 37°56′59.84″N 27°22′12.99″E / 37.9499556°N 27.370275°E / 37.9499556; 27.370275

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