Denizli

Denizli

Denizli lies in the Aegean region of southwestern Turkey, Nestling against high mountains near the Meander River, it is the capital of Denizli province of Turkey, and has a population of 275480 according to the 2000 census.

The surrounding fertile valley and extensive forests, together with its archeological wealth makes it a great attraction for tourists. Modern Denizli is a city of hotels, parks and broad streets. Although Denizli lies in the Aegean region, its location in the inner region spares it largely from the Aegean climate. It has a terrestrial climate and is fanned by winds from the sea. The winter is warm and rainy. Denizli is well connected by road to all regions of Turkey. By rail it is connected to Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir. The rail route to Izmir runs parallel to the 180 kilometers long Denizli – Aydin – Izmir highway. The airport at Cardak county center is about 70 kilometers from the city center. Denizli can be an attractive stopover while traveling between the major provinces of Turkey. By and large it has everything a tourist wants. But it has something you will not get anywhere – the natural wonder of “white frozen castles” of Pamukkale. The city was built by II Antiokos in the name of his wife in between the years of 261 – 246 B.C and called as “Laodikeia”. The inhabitants ofl Laodikeia were settled here until the invasions of the Muslims. The Persians, Macedonians, Romans and Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans took control of the city. Once the Turks conquered the region, the center of the city became Kaleiçi due to its rich water resources and called as “Denizli” which means seaside in Turkish because of several rivers and lakes around it. During the Independence War, the Greek forces came as close to Sarayköy which is a small town 20 km northwest of Denizli, but could not venture into Denizli where resistance was ready.

Places to Visit;

Hierapolis Archeology Musuem is one of the biggest buildings of Hierapolis antique city and there are traces of Laodikeia, Colossai, Tripolis, Attuda, Lycos (Çürüksu) Valley cities.

Atatürk Ethnography Museum is located in the city center.

Tripolis was one of the cities in Lydia region which was a trade, agriculture and border center as the junction point between Karya and Frigia and it is located at the 40 km north of Denizli’s city center.

Colossae was one of the most important centers in Great Frigia and can be visited at 25 km south of Denizli city (2 km north of Honaz County). Herakleia Salbace has a history dating back to Romans and it’s located in the borders of Vakıf Village which is 10 km north west of Tavas county, Denizli city. Approximately 4 km east of Herakleia Salbace antique city,there’s the famous Artemis and Leto ruins.

Acıpayam Yazır Mosque and Boğaziçi Mosque of Denizli are worth visiting for their styles. Servergazi Tomb (Yeşilköy), Mehmet Gazi Tomb (at Big grave yard), Fatma Hanım (Yıldız) Tomb (at Big grave yard), Ahi Sinan Tomb, Mahmut Gazi Tomb, Yatağan Baba Tomb and Hüsamettin Bey Tomb are interesting to see. Akhan Inn is located on Denizli – Afyon highway, 7 km from Denizli. This caravanserai was built in between the years 1253 – 1254. Çardakhan Caravanserai was built during I. Alaaddin Keykubad Period in 1230 and is located outside the Çardak county center.