Bergama

Bergama is located 100 km from north of Izmir in the Bakircay river basin. Bergama is one of the Turkey's oldest civilized settlements which, has been inhabited from pre-historic times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations.

Galleries in Pergamon Acropol by incubo78

It has yielded archeological treasures of which importance is recognized world-wide.To the southwest of Bergama, Asclepion, an important health center of the ancient world, the acropolis founded on top of a steep hill (300 m) and the Temple of Serapis (Kızıl Avlu) make this area a fascinating stop for history-loving tourists. The Altar of Zeus was smuggled to Germany in 1897.

Bergama (Greek: Πέργαμος/Pergamos) is a city and its depending district in Turkey, in northwestern Anatolia, 26km from the Aegean Sea, about 100km north of Izmir, located on a promontory on the north Side of the Bakircay river with a population of about 55,000. It is due east of the island of Lesbos (Midilli in Turkish). The ruins of the Acropolis and the Sanctuary of Asclepius (also known as the Asclepeion) of the ancient city of Pergamon or Pergamum lie respectively to the north and west of the modern city. Bergama's other notable structure is the Red Basilica complex (or Kızıl Avlu in Turkish), about 1 km south of Acropolis. The town also has an archaeological museum.

Bergama is also renowned for its high quality carpets. There are approximately eighty villages that still weave Bergama carpets. The history of carpet weaving in Bergama dates back to the 11th century - when Turkish migration started to the area. Bergama carpets have almost always been woven with wool - an attestation to the pastoral life style of the Yoruks populating the area at the time. In comparison, for example, Bursa has been the center of silk production throughout the Ottoman era.

Knotting density of Bergama rugs is about 12 knots per square cm. Most carpets come in the size of 3 to 4 square meters. Bergama carpets can be divided into these main groups:

- Yagcibedir,
- Kazdagi,
- Yuntdagi,
- Yuncu Karakecili, and
- Kozak

Although the history of carpet weaving in Bergama dates back to the 11th century, most surviving carpets do not age more than 200 years - mainly due to their wool content. The oldest surviving Bergama carpets can be found in mosques in and around Bergama, as well as the archaeological museum in Bergama.

Some other historical buildings in Bergama include:

- Selcuk Minaresi (Selcuk Minaret), built in the 14th century
- Cukurhan (a trade center / shopping mall), built in the 14th century
- Ulucami (Ulu Mosque), built in 1399 (which is still used as a mosque)
- Tashan (a trade center / shopping mall), built in 1432
- Sadirvanli Camii (Sadirvanli Mosque), built in 1550 (which is still used as a mosque)

Between June 18-24, 2007, Bergama will be celebrating its 71th annual festival ("Bergama Kermesi"). Bergama Kermesi is a major local event, generally celebrated with the attendance of Turkish celebrities, singers, players, poets, and writers. 

History

The modern day name, comes directly from its ancient name, Pergamum. Known for centuries for its monuments, it was a great city and served as the centre of Pergamum kingdom. Its location made it strategic in the Middle Ages and was the centre of the Karesioğullari Principality before it finally became a part of the Ottoman State. The city's golden era was during the reign of Attalos I and his son Eumenes II, the time when an acropolis, theatre and other important projects were completed. It was an important city in the Roman period. The city experienced many developments during the reign of Hadrian (117-138 AD), and it was adorned with Roman works of art. In the Byzantine era after the spread of Christianity, Bergama was first under the influence of the bishopric of Ephesus, and then became a metropolis.

Climate

The Mediterranean Climate dominates the region. Summers are hot and dry while winters are mild and rainy.