Çeşme is a township located in the west of
İzmir. Being situated at the seaside the population here rather increases during summer. Right in front of the township there stands the greek island
Sakız. The history of
Çeşme dates back to the year BC.
Çeşme which was the port of the
Ionian colony
Erythrai in the 7th century BC was related to the
Kingdom of
Bergamon and
Roman Empire respectively. The
Çeşme Castle which is one of the most important symbols of the city was ordered to be built by the
Ottoman Sultan Beyazıt II in 1508. The castle reflects all characteristics of the
Ottoman architecture. This historical structure is organized as a concert place during the international
Çeşme Music Competition made in the township and is displayed to the whole world. The international
Çeşme Festival is held here every year between 2- 7 July. The statute of
Kaptan-Derya Cezayirli Hasan Paşa with a lion figure stands in front of the castle which has been restored by the
Ottomans in the 16th century. After this successful additions were built to the castle. As building material the remnants of
Maussolleion which was torn down by an earthquake were used. The the towers of the castle have been given names such as
French,
Italian,
German,
Spanish and
English towers. In the rooms in these towers findings from the
Archaic,
Roman,
Byzantine ages and arcaeological findings from
Erythrai are displayed.
Çeşme has become one of the most popular holiday resorts of
Turkey. Its endless beaches and the deep blue sea makes it the pearl of the
Aegean coast. The touristic facilities, hotels opened here and the summer houses, too, have rather increased
Çeşme’s touristic potential.
Çeşme which offers a rather colorful night life besides the day activities has become a place of call for tourists.
