Selçuk

Sister cities

• Siegburg
• Hennef
• Radoviš
• Dion
• Erbaa
• Lienz
• Prizren
• Fátima

History

Its previous Greek name, Agios Theologos (Άγιος Θεολόγος), referred to John the Apostle, because emperor Justinian I had erected there the basilica in honour of the Saint. Ayasoluk is a corrupted form of the original name. In the 14th century, it was the capital of the Beylik of Aydin, and was visited by Ibn Battuta. He noted that "the congregational mosque in this city is one of the most magnificent mosques in the world and unequaled in beauty". Under the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Ayasoluk. In 1914, it was renamed Selçuk after the Seljuks, who first led incursions into the region in the 11th century. in the Kuşadası district until 1957, when it became a district. Its neighbouring districts are Torbalı from the north, Tire from the northeast, Germencik from the east, Kuşadası from the south, and Menderes from the northwest. In 1921, after the capture of the village by the Greek forces, the village had a total population of 600, ethnographically consisting of 580 Greeks, 10 Turks and 10 Armenians. The old quarter of Selçuk retains much traditional Turkish culture. Ayasuluk Hill dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosque built by the Aydinids in 1375, and the Grand Fortress. The hill itself is part of Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ephesus Beach (Turkish: Pamucak) is one of the longest beaches (12 km) in Turkey and hosts five large hotels.