|
Manisa is the capital city of the Turkish province of Manisa. It has a population of 214,345.
History
Manisa has a far-reaching past in the Aegean Region of Anatolia. Its recorded history goes back to 500 BC, but the first known (Greek) settlements date back to the 14th century BC.
In Classical times the city was known as Magnesia ad Sipylum, and was the site of many battles between Romans and Greeks. Under the Roman Empire it remained very prosperous, despite almost being destroyed by an earthquake during the reign of Tiberius.
Since the great Ottoman Sultans chose Manisa as the training ground for crown princes, there are many examples of Ottoman architecture, as well as Seljuk. The Sultan Mosque of the 16th century was built for Ayşe Sultan, mother of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman (Suleiman the Magnificent). In her honor, the Mesir Macunu Festival (featuring spiced candy, which is supposed to restore health, youth and potency, also known as "Turkish Viagra") is held every year in March, in the grounds of this mosque.
The Muradiye Mosque of the 16th century was built by the great architect Sinan (and completed by Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa), and the Murad Bey Medresse now houses the Archaeological Museum of Manisa.
Manisa celebrates the Vintage Festival every September, when the fruits of the vineyards are celebrated. The vineyards surround the city and provide dry fruit for export from İzmir, and grapes for wine making.
Modern Manisa
Modern Manisa is very much associated with the consumer electronics and white goods giant Vestel.
Sites of interest
The Sipil Mountain National Park (Sipil Dağı Milli Parkı) includes a richly forested area, hot springs, and the famous "crying rock" of Niobe, and the carving of Goddess Cybele (Mother Earth). It boasts about 120 kinds of native plants, especially wild tulips known as Anemone. This park provides opportunities for mountaineering and camping.
Sardis, in Salihli, was the ancient capital of Lydia, once ruled by King Croesus, who was renowned for his wealth. Due to numerous earthquakes, most of the visible remains date back only to Roman times. There are the remains of the temple of Artemis and a restored gymnasium, exhibiting of the past splendor of this ancient city. The splendid synagogue from the 3rd century is worth visiting, with its elaborate mosaics and artfully carved colored-stone panels.
Akhisar (or Tepe Mezarlığı (hill cemetery)), the ancient city of Thyatira, was one of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation. More recently, it is an important commercial center in the province.
The ruins of the ancient city of Philadelphia, another of the Seven Churches, lie in the Alaşehir area. There is little left of the ancient, except some ruins of a Byzantine church.
At Sindelli village there are the fossil human footprints, which have been dated to about 50-25th century BC.
Houses at Kula are beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. Yunt Dağı, Gördes, Kula and Demirci are famous for their precious carpets and kilims. In addition there are many thermal springs throughout the area.
|
