•MENDERES•
kolophon
Archaeology
Colophon is mentioned in a poem by the poet Mimnermos, a native of Izmir or a native of this city, who is known to have lived in the late 7th or early 6th century BC. The Colophonians were very wealthy due to the fertility of their land and their mastery in maritime affairs. The wealth of the city dwellers turned their comfortable lifestyle into excessive luxury. According to ancient writers, the luxurious life caused Colophon to lose its power. Nevertheless, in the 8th and 7th centuries BC, the Colophonians were famous as warriors and especially as horsemen.
CLAROS PROPHECY CENTER
Another important structure in the region is Claros. Although the exact date of the foundation of Claros is not known, it is to have been built in the name of Apollo, the chief god of Colophon in the 7th and early 6th century BC. The Temple of Apollo in Claros was very famous in the Hellenistic period and especially in the Roman era because it was a place of prophecy. The reason why the temple was not built on a hill but was located on a plain was the presence of a sacred spring and forest there. Turkey’s first Archaeopark is located there.
History- Culture
Stone bridge, ruined minaret, ancient city of Notion, Bakla Hill Mound, Roman bath and cisterns are important cultural assets in the region. Evil eye beads, which are among the intangible cultural heritage, are produced in the Görece Neighborhood of Menderes. Menderes is also known for the Zeybek Culture of Cumaovası.
Nature
Gümüldür and Özdere are very popular in the region with their blue flag beaches, unique sand, clear sea, and clean nature. The colorful roses grown in the cut floriculture sector constitute 70 percent of Turkey’s greenhouse cut flower cultivation. In addition to roses, gerbera, chrysanthemums and lilies are also grown extensively in the region.
Gastronomy
The Gümüldür mandarin, known for its juiciness, seedlessness, and thin skin, is highly famous. Another agricultural product that has become a symbol of Menderes is the Efemçukuru grape, which is produced traditionally with very special production techniques.
