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MANISA
An
attractive Aegean city, Manisa has preserved several
splendid examples of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture.
Endowed by Ayse Sultana, mother of Suleyman the
Magnificent, the Sultan Mosque was built early in the
16th century. Every year in April, on the grounds of
this mosque, a festival is held celebrating Mesir
Macunu, a sticky imperial elixir that reputedly cured
the sultan's ailing mother. The 16th century Muradiye
Mosque was designed by the great architect Sinan and
the adjacent medrese, or theological college, today
houses the Archaeological Museum. September sees the
annual Harvest Festival begin when the fruits of the
vineyards are brought in with great celebration. The
region's numerous vineyards produce grapes, dried for
export. South of the city lies the Spil Dagi National
Park, home of the famous "crying rock" of Niobe. If
you travel to the northeast you come to Gordes, a
pleasant town particularly known for its fine carpets.
The ruins of ancient Sart (Sardis), once the capital
of the Lydian realm of Croesus, lie on the Sart Cayi (Pactole
River). Here the first coins were minted. The Temple
of Artemis and a restored gymnasium testify to the
city's past splendor, as does the important third-century
A. D. synagogue. On the south side of Sardis, Mt. Boz
offers hiking and other mountain sports. On its south
slope, in the village of Birgi, is the Cakir Aga
Mansion, a fine example of traditional Turkish
architecture. |
