Culture and History
Named initially Cyssus in the earliest time, the name of the town was finally changed to Cecme because of the chilly and delectable water reserves in the region. It became a tradition to make fountains at the outset of springs and this is how Cesme turned out to me an attraction to its visitors for its fountains.
Cesme, the location of historic Erythrai was founded by the Cretans as one of the towns of the Pan-Ionian League. This place is now included among the most visited places of the Aegean region.
Through the centuries, the region has been under the directive of the Persian, Lydian, Pergamon, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
In the present day, the town puts a spell on its visitors with its sublime cultural montage.
Boasting plentiful museums and landmarks, when in Cesme you’ll never be too distant from a historic attraction. Right in the midst of town, locate the prominent 14th-century fortress of Cesme. As you enter, you’ll realize about its significance during war times, and see excavated relics at the Museum of Archaeology. Caravanserai Hotel would let you spot further cues of the town’s Ottoman history. For a peek into the town’s primeval past, visit the city of Ildirli to find a collection of Early Bronze Age remnants.
Cesme Castle:
The Castle was constructed in 1508 and presently the conserved battlements, with its six towers and moats on three sides, present superb sights of Çeşme. It also has two museums, one of which displays relics from the neighboring ancient city of Erythrai and the other centers on the proceedings of the Russo-Turkish War. Every year in the first week of Jumy, the castle hosts the International Cesme Music Festival.
The Former Temple of Apollo:
Step up the Theatre stairs to the Acropolis to find the leftovers of a Greek Church and a former Temple of Apollo. From this spot, the sight of the Aegean bays and islands is amazing. Any history-lover won’t leave behind the Acropolis.
Ldiri
A peaceful seaside village situated 20 km northeast of Cesme, was early Erythrai which appears on the pages of history in 3000 BC. Excavations here revealed the settlements since the early Bronze Age, and the surrounding of the village of Ildiri have been confirmed as national heritage site.
The walls bounding the old city are still erect, and Hellenistic period floor medleys of incomparable magnificence can still be grasped in one of the buildings. Excavations have also exposed a temple of Athena. This village has a buffet for the lovers of history.
