HOME PAGE    07-Dec-2010 

Kusadasi

The centre of Kusadasi is the place where you can shop, where you can have your meal and enjoy the colourful nightlife. Kusadasi's not a very big town. There are buses which are named as "dolmus" and the cheapest way of transport, also if you want you can find taxis easily.

Kusadasi Downtown:                                                                                Kusadasi Downtown

                                             

 


In the town centre its worth visiting Caravanserai, Kaleici, Grand and Orient Bazaar, and much much more.

Kusadasi Downtown                                                                             Kusadasi Downtown


If you want to do shopping it's easy to find all type of goods like textile, jewellery, leather ...etc.

Kusadasi Downtown                                                                            Kusadasi Downtown

Caravanserai

It is near the port of Kusadasi. It was built by the vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha and was restored 1966. It is an Ottoman Castle built for sea trade. The courtyard has 8.50 x 21.60 m. dim. It is surrounded by a two storied porched in door area. There are two stairs to upper floor, one to the north - west, the other to the Southeast comers.

Caravanserai                                                                             Kusadasi Caravanserai


The entrance of the caravanserai is in the north. The marble gate is 2.96 m. wide and has a low arch way.  The door looks simple. There are two archways one on the right and the other one the left leading to the middle section. As the left one has a small backdoor, it is thought that is was used as the left luggage place. The right one was probably the guardian's, who took care of incoming and outgoing. After digging, a fountain was found in the middle and was restored as a pool. There is a room behind each cross vault porch surrounding the courtyard. There are five places and cupboards of various sizes in each room. The caravanserai is covered with noticeable marks on the north surface.

Caravanserai                                                                             Kusadasi Caravanserai


To prevent possible attacks from the sea northwest and south -west sides were supported more. As the north side was take in to consideration together with the outer doors, it was thought as the most important place of defence. There is a gate opening to the bazaar if the town in the east of the caravanserai.

 

Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island, with its gleaming image, really deserves to be a symbol of Kusadasi. The eye-catching view of the island, uniting with the panoramic colours of sunset attracts every visitor. As the island was a much frequented place of birds during the seasonal migrations, it was named as Bird Island

Pigeon Island                                                                              Kusadasi Pigeon Island


In the times of Ottomans, the name of the island was given to the town and the town was started to be called as "Kusadasi" ("Bird Island; Pigeon Island". The island was used for military purposes during the Ottoman Era and before, as the location of the island was strategic for securing the shores or preventing the attacks from the sea. The Byzantine castle standing on the rocks, used against pirates, is known as "Pirate Castle".

Pigeon Island                                                                               Kusadasi Pigeon Island


Pigeon Island, unlike its name, is now connected to the land by a mole. But, it is even an ideal place providing a wonderful opportunity for relaxation. Within the borders of the impressive castle, you may watch the charming yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy waters of Kusadasi or sit in one of the restaurants by the shore and sample fresh sea-food or other Aegean specialties with the panoramic view of Kusadasi and enjoy the unforgettable times in Kusadasi...

 

Grand Bazaar and Orient Bazaar

Grand and Orient Bazaars are the most important shopping centres at Kusadasi. They are most visited shopping centres because of being close to the Kusadasi Harbour.

Grand Bazaar                                                                                 Kusadasi Grand Bazaar


Grand and Orient Bazaars display us traditional Turkish market place. It has semi-open market places, very crowded structure, colourful and overflowing products.

Kusadasi Orient Bazaar                                                                                  Orient Bazaar


They are very famous with their variety of leather, gold, rug and souvenir stores that are located side by side. If you decided to buy something, you should try to bargain with seller workers.

Kaleici 

Firstly, "Kaleici" means "inner castle" in Turkish. Kaleici is the oldest part of the town; their old houses are now shopping stores, restaurants and night clubs. Life starts first light of the day and continues until the next day.

Kaleici                                                                              Kusadasi Kaleici


They are very famous with their low-price products. Also, they are famous with their night clubs and discos. There is a Turkish Bath in this area. It is really historical architecture and waiting you.

Kusadasi Kaleici                                                                               Kaleici


Clubs and bars start to crowd around 24:00 the night entertainment continue till 05:00 A.M.

   
Friday market, like its name, settles every Friday, opposite the main minibus station at the city centre. It is set on a large area.

Villagers from and around Kusadasi bring every Friday their fresh crops of fruits and vegetables to sell at the market. It is also possible to find textile, shoe and cosmetics as well as home equipment.

 How to Go?...  Friday market is at the city centre, opposite the main minibus station of Kusadasi, easily reached by walking. Also  "sehirici" and "Kusadalilar" minibuses pass along Friday market.