Selçuk
| Selçuk | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
|
The grand fortress of Selçuk on Ayasoluk Hill | |
 Location of Selçuk within Turkey. | |
  Selçuk Location of Selçuk within Turkey. | |
| Coordinates: 37°57′N 27°22′E / 37.950°N 27.367°E | |
| Country |
 Turkey |
| Region | Aegean |
| Province | İzmir |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Dahi Zeynel Bakıcı (AKP) |
| • Governor | Ayhan Boyacı |
| Area[1] | |
| • District | 279.85 km2 (108.05 sq mi) |
| Population (2012)[2] | |
| • Urban | 28,213 |
| • District | 34,587 |
| • District density | 120/km2 (320/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| Postal code | 35920 |
| Area code(s) | 232 |
| Licence plate | 35 Lxx XX |
| Website | http://www.selcuk.bel.tr |
Selçuk is the central town of Selçuk district, İzmir Province in Turkey, 2 kilometres (1 mile) northeast of the ancient city of Ephesus.
Its original Greek name, Agios Theologos (Άγιος Θεολόγος) referred to John the Theologian. In the 14th century, it was the capital of the Emirate of Aydin. Under the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Ayasoluk (Ottoman Turkish: Ayasluğ). In 1914, it was renamed Selçuk after the Seljuk Turks who first led incursions into the region in the 12th century.
It was a township in Kuşadası district till 1954 and Torbalı between 1954-1957. It finally became a district in 1957. Its neighbours are Torbalı from north, Tire from northeast, Germencik from east, Kuşadası from south, Aegean Sea from west and Menderes (formerly Cumaovası) from northwest.
Selçuk is one of the most visited tourist destinations within Turkey, known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Seljuk works of art. The 6th century Basilica of St. John the Apostle, which, some claim, is built on the site of the Apostle's tomb, is also inside the town. The old quarter of Selçuk retains much traditional Turkish culture.
Ayasoluk Hill dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosque built by the Aydinids in 1375, and the Grand Fortress.
Ephesus Beach (Turkish: Pamucak) is one of the longest beaches (12 km) in Turkey and hosts 5 large hotels.
The local Selçuk-Efes Airport and Selçuk Training Center of the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) is only 3 km (1.9 mi) away from Selçuk, offering piloting, parachuting, and microlight training. Parachute championships are held there every summer, usually late August.
The annual camel wrestling championship takes place at Selçuk-Pamucak (Ephesus Beach) in January.
Nearby, in the village of Çamlık is the Çamlık Railway Museum.
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Selçuk. |
Ephesus Beach Hotels
- Hotel Ephesus Princess*****
- Aqua Fantasy Aquapark Hotel & SPA*****
- Sürmeli Ephesus Resort*****
- Richmond Ephesus Hotel*****
- Burc Club Hotel****
International relations
Twin towns – Sister cities
Selçuk is twinned with:
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References
- ↑ "Area of regions (including lakes), km²". Regional Statistics Database. Turkish Statistical Institute. 2002. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ↑ "Population of province/district centers and towns/villages by districts - 2012". Address Based Population Registration System (ABPRS) Database. Turkish Statistical Institute. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
External links
- Report: "Selçuk, 30 p." (PDF) (in Turkish). İzmir Chamber of Commerce. 2007.
- Selçuk District, governmental site
Selçuk travel guide from Wikivoyage- Şirince Travel Guide
- Pictures of Selçuk
- Şirince Accommodation Guide
- Images of Selçuk Ayasoluk
- Selçuk Guide
- Şirince Information Guide
- Selçuk Presentation Guide
- Selçuk Photos
- Exploring St Johns Basilica and other ruins
- Alert - Travel scam operating in Selçuk
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