Foca

By tachajam

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Foça is one of the most important centers amongst the 12 Ion cities, established at the Aegean coasts by Ions. Foça, besides its historical and archeological importance, is a mythological settlement whose name is mentioned in Homeros epic.

History

One of the most important centers, established by Ions, who have established numerous settlements there, including Smyrna, and who are escaped from Dor invasion of Greece, is Foça. Antic Foça city, included by 12 Ion union, is at the Aiolis region. Foça, who took Antic city Phokaia name from "seals", was an important harbor and had an important naval forces at their era. Foça, had established colonies in cities at eastern costs of Marsala and Spain, Velia near Pastum and Alain of Corsica with its naval fleet. Foça had lived Persia, Alexander the Great, Genevians and Ottoman eras.

Phokaia city, which had entered into development period, beginning from 7th century B. C., had shown great improvement in sailing according to "Father of History", Heredot. Phokaians, who were using fast ships with 50 shovels and 500 passenger transportation power, were the first Helens who go for long sea voyage. They have introduced Adriatic Etruria, İberia and Tartessos to Helen world.

Where to Visit in Foca

Siren Rocky Place

It is mentioned in Homeros epic, and described as rocks to where ships that loose their way crashes. It is one of the biggest rocky place, composed of islands which reminds like seal fishes is Orak Island.

Şeytan Hamamı (Satan's Hamam)

Tomb type structure at the feet of Çan peak, is known as Şeytan Hamamı (Satan's Hamam). It is 2 km. away from province center.

Castles

Beş Kapılar Castle

This antic castle is given to Manuel Zacharna from Genevese by Michel Paleoloc and its ramparts are repaired by Genevan people within the time. After join of Phokaia to Ottoman land in 1455, the ramparts are repaired and nine of them have been equipped with towers which can be spotted today. The Part, which is used as open air Theater today in Beş Kapılar was "boathouse". According to the inscription over entrance door, this repair is done in between 1538 - 1539 by Silahtar İskender Ağa, woodsman of the Sultan Mustafa Han, who was Saruhan State Principal in between 1533 and 1541, son of Magnificient Süleyman.

External Castle Castle

Referred as "External Castle or Genevese Castle" at "Castle Bay" at south west of Foça, according to the sources, is constructed as a cutthroat by Ottomans on a strategic point to guard the region in 1678. The castle which is on a cape, is separated from the continent via a huge trench with the aim of guarding. During underwater archeological studies, stone shots are found at the bottom of the sea in front of the castle. It is thought that these shots are fired via catapults from castle to enemy ships.

http://www.middleeastcamp.com/touritinerary.htm


By car:If you are driving from Istanbul there are two routes you can choose from. The Istanbul- Canakkale- Izmir highway or the route via Bursa and Manisa. Istanbul – Foça is 630 km. Travelling from Izmir you need to head north towards Canakkale. There are two junctions signing off to Foça, which are clearly marked. The picturesque route between Foça and Yeni Foça is 22 km long and is very worth the travel. There are several coves and beaches all maintaining their beauty.

By bus: Foça buses take off frequently from the Main Izmir Garage (every hour during winter and every half hour during summer). You can get a bus to Izmir from any place in Turkey. The bus journey between Izmir and Foça takes around 90 minutes.

By plane: Izmir International Airport serves charter flights as well as a growing number of domestic and international scheduled flights. Turkish Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, British Airways, Scandinavian Airways, Germanwings and Sun Express are major companies flying to Izmir. Hanedan Resort has just initiated an Airport Shuttle Service. Please contact us for further information.




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