Bergama

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View from Pergamon looking down on Bergama.
View from Pergamon looking down on Bergama.

Bergama (Greek: Πέργαμος/Pergamos) is a city and its depending district in Turkey, in northwestern Anatolia, 16 miles from the Aegean Sea, about 100km north of İzmir, located on a promontory on the north side of the Bakırçay 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 tbe 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.

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Bergama is historically famous for the antique city of Pergamon and for its traditional quarter made up of old Ottoman houses. Of more recent date, the city also frequently makes headlines in the context of controversies surrounding the ancient spa settlement of Allianoi, threatened by the construction of Yortanlı Dam, and for environmental concerns addressed on the subject of the gold mine that is being operated in Ovacık village (Ovacık gold mine).

With its rich historical and architectural heritage, Bergama is a member of the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions (EAHTR) [1].

The Kingdom of Pergamon (colored olive) shown at its greatest extent in 188 BC.
The Kingdom of Pergamon (colored olive) shown at its greatest extent in 188 BC.

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Coordinates: 39°07′N, 27°11′E