HISTORY

Although it is not known exactly when and by whom Kuşadası was founded, it is believed that it was founded by the Ionians under the name of "Neopolis" affiliated to Ephesus in the place called Yılancı Burnu near Kuşadası.

The city was previously established at the foot of Pilav Mountain, in the place called "Andiz Tower". Venice and Genoese dominated these shores, which belonged to the Byzantines after a while.

Due to transportation difficulties, Kuşadası; it was taken from Andızkulesi location and it was founded under the name of "New pier". Kuşadası Bay and its immediate surroundings, named after Kuşadası, have been known for art and culture centers that have hosted various civilizations since the early age, Lelegs in 3000 BC. Aeolians in the 2nd Century BC. In the 9th century BC, Ions dominated the region. The area between Büyükmenderes and Gediz rivers was named "Ionia" in ancient times. Ions, who are merchants and sailors, quickly became enriched by overseas trade and gained superior political power. They founded 12 cities named "Ion Colonies" in history. Kuşadası was one of the main ports of Anatolia opening to the Mediterranean Sea in ancient times. It was called "Neopolis" at that time. In the 7th century BC, the Lydians, whose capitals were Sardes, dominated the region. Persian domination started in 546 BC. It continued until 334 when Alexander the Great conquered Anatolia. After that, a brand new era, a brand new understanding of art and culture prevails in Anatolia as the synthesis of Greek Civilization and native Anatolian Civilization, and it is known as the Hellenistic Age. Ephesus, Miletus, Priene, Didyma are the most famous cities of this period. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans dominated the region. In the early years of Christianity, one of the apostles of the Virgin Mary, this place becomes a religious center with Jean and Ephesus. Miletos is also the bishopric center in the Christian Age. It is called "Ania" in the Byzantine Age. Kuşadası became a port used by pirates in the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, the city was named "Scala Nova" during the time of Venetians and Genoese. In 1186, Turkish rule begins with Kılıç Aslan joining the region to the Selçuk State. The region became an export gate of caravan routes to the Aegean in this period. After the collapse of the Seljuk State, the Beyliks era started in the region. Aydınoğulları dominated for a while. In 15th century, it was under the sovereignty of the Ottomans in the middle. Kuşadası joined Ottoman rule by Mehmet I (Celebi) in 1413.

After this date, the city was completely in the hands of the Turks and started to be filled with the works made by the Turks. The walls that converted today's Caravanserai and Kuşadası were built by Mehmet Pasha. The city surrounded by city walls was only entered through three gates at that time. One of these gates separates Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Avenue and Kahramanlar Avenue and its upper part is used as District Passport Authority today. Other doors are not available today. Küçükada was an outpost protecting the coast for the Byzantines. Güvercinada, which served as an important military base for the city by the Venetians and the Ottomans, saw a substantial zoning in 1834 and its famous castle was built. The name "Kuşadası" comes from this castle. While it was a district of İzmir Province until 1954, it was connected to Aydın province after this date and showed a great development.