They were the establishers of a colony on the skirts of Pilav Mountain in Kusadasi, and founded the cities Ania and Melia. Mild climate allowed the inhabitants to grow essential products such as olive, grape and figs for extracting oil or making wine and sweets on the fertile lands around the city.

In the 10th century BC "12 Ionian Cities "-Samos, Khios, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus, Teos, Erythrai, Priena, Klazonemi, Lebedos, Phokaia, Colophon, Smyrna, were established and reputed for the most developed cities of that age. Asthe annual meeting place of the Ionian League, Panionian, was founded around Kusadasi; the cities of Phygale, Marathesion and Neopolis were established within the borders of the city. During the period, the ports of Phygale and Neopolis were not busy and necessary, as they were close to the famous trading centers and ports, Miletos and Ephesus.

The city was invaded by Persians around the year of 546BC. In 200BC Kusadasi and its environs were dominated by the Roman Empire, and with the division of the Roman Empire, became a state of Byzantine. As the changes in climate caused serious earthquakes and changed the route of Caystros River, Ephesus was mostly destroyed and lost its prior importance and prosperity. The result had forced Byzantines to search for a new port and a new road that would be suitable for trading. The area around Neopolis was found convenient by the Greek, Jewish, and Armenian merchants as a port in place of the port of Ephesus. "Scala Nova" was the name of this new port which added a new trading center to the prior historical cities such as Ania, Melia, Phygale and Neopolis, that have created the early foundations of today's Kusadasi. By the coming of the 15th century, "Scala Nova" was under the domination of the Venetian and Genoese sailors and traders who established consulates here.

The Turkish domination in the area entered upon the invasion of Seljukian Kilic Arslan the 2nd. The advantageous position of Kusadasi as its being at the end of the important trade roads such as Silk Road -once held by Ephesus, influenced the development of the city in trading, positively.

Kusadasi began to be ruled by the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of Sultan Mehmet Celebi in the year of 1413. During the reign of Ottomans, Kusadasi was introduced to glorious structures, giving a new look to its former spectacular view. Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal of Ottoman architecture in the city, was built by the man of the same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and Osman2. The fortress gates &walls and many mosques in the center of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of the castle in Pigeon Island, were built in the Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style of the era. "Kusadasi " that means "bird island" took its name from the Pigeon Island.

After the First World War, Kusadasi was invaded by the Greeks (1919). The city won a long struggle for in 1922 and became a part of Turkish Republic. Izmir was the capital of Kusadasi until 1954. Then the capital was changed to Aydin and the city of Kusadasi has shown a good deal of development, especially in tourism.

Today, Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centers; a perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches and glassy water. The contrast of the lively holiday life with the quietness of ancient ruins create the special atmosphere of the city.

LOCATION
Kuşadası is located on the western Anatolia by the Aegean Coast 90 kilometers south of Izmir.
You can get to Kuşadası;

BY AIR -> There are regular charter flights during the summer from major European capitals to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, located only 75 kilometers from Kuşadası. Turkish Airlines also has connecting flights to Izmir from Istanbul and Ankara.

BY ROAD Kuşadası is connected by road to the E 24/550 Izmir Denizli highway by way of the towns of Selçuk and Çamlık a railroad switchyard station. Frequent bus services, operated by major transport companies have offices in Kuşadası.

BY SEA Turkish and Greek ferry boats shuttle daily between Kuşadası and the nearby Greek Island of Samos. Greek ocean liners sail twice a week between Ancona (Italy) and Kuşadası, once a week between Venice and Izmir. In addition to these, Kuşadası is a port of call of many foreign Ocean liners sailing the Aegean. Turkish Maritime lines (Deniz Yolları) cruise ships stop at Kuşadası regularly while on İstanbul Mersin sailing route. With its 700 Bert marina, Kuşadası is a major port of foreign yachtsmen.

BY RAIL Turkey has an extensive railroad networks. The nearest railroad station to Kuşadası is the town of Selçuk, on the İzmir Aydın railroad, which is linked to national railways system. Foreign train buffs can hire steam engine trains.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Kuşadası, Which means "Bird Island" offers you an enormous potential of tourism with outstandaing natural beauty, rich historical remains of past civilizations, 300 days a year of blue sky, sunbathing at the sandy beaches, colorful folklore and a different way of life.

Kuşadası is ready to welcome you with its numerous hotels, motels, holiday villages, pensions, restaurants and shopping facilities with their very well known experience coming from years.

CLIMATE
Kuşadası and its environs have typical Mediterranean climate with warm sunny summers and mild, wet winter.