Selcuk
General Information
District: Izmir, State: Aegean Region, Turkey
Area: 295 km²
Languages Spoken: Turkish
Long Distance Code: (+90) 0232
Best Time to Visit: May to August
International Access: Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB)Description
Its original Greek name, Agios Theológos referred to John the Theologian. Under the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Ayasoluk (Ottoman Turkish: Ayaslug). In 1914, it was renamed Selcuk after the Seljuk Turks who first led incursions into the region in the 12th century. It was a township in Kusadasi district till 1954 and Torbali between 1954-1957. It finally became a district in 1957. Its neighbours are Torbali from north, Tire from northeast, Germencik from east, Kusadasi from south, Aegean Sea from west and Menderes (formerly Cumaovasi) from northwest. Selcuk is one of the most visited touristic 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 Selcuk remains generally retaining traditional Turkish culture and locality. Ayasoluk Hill dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosque built by the Seljuk Turks in 1375, and the Grand Fortress. The Selcuk Ephesus Airport and Selcuk Training Center of the Turkish Aeronautical Association is only 3 kilometers away from Selcuk, offering piloting, parachuting, and microlight training. The annual camel wrestling championship takes place in Selcuk-Pamucak(Ephesus Beach) in the Winter, near EphesusLocation
Selcuk is the central town of Selcuk district, İzmir Province in Turkey, 2 km (1.2 miles) northeast of Ephesus.Climate
İzmir has a typical Mediterranean climate which is characterized by long, hot and dry summers; and mild to cool, rainy winters. The total precipitation for İzmir averages 706 mm (27.8 inches) per year; however, 77% of that falls during November through Ma