Bergama

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A day beyond the ruins

Most visitors skim past the town to explore the ancient theatre, yet Bergama’s present‑day markets offer a richer sense of continuity. Early mornings are reserved for the bustling weekly bazaar where local farmers display heirloom varieties of figs, olives, and the region’s famed "sarı şeftali" peaches. Strolling through the narrow streets, you’ll hear the distinct clink of copperware being hammered—Bergama’s copper‑smiths keep a craft alive that dates back to antiquity. Stop at a family‑run meyhané for "keçeli" (stuffed eggplant) and an ear‑to‑ear story about how the town’s proximity to the Aegean windward slopes shapes its cuisine with a subtle briny edge.

Seasonal rhythms for the attentive traveller

While summer heat can be oppressive, late autumn brings a softening sky and a harvest that colours the surrounding countryside. The October grape‑stomping festivals in nearby villages provide an authentic glimpse into the viticultural traditions that underpin local tavernas’ selections. Conversely, spring sees the almond trees blossom along the Quiet River, an ideal backdrop for a leisurely bike ride that skirts the district’s limestone outcrops, offering panoramic views without the crowds that flock to the historic hilltop in peak season.

Beyond the guidebooks: the scholarly trail

Bergama’s university affiliation with İzmir creates a subtle academic undercurrent that most guidebooks overlook. The Pergamon Museum, whilst famous for its antiquities, hosts regular colloquia where archaeology students discuss recent excavations in the surrounding valleys. Attending one of these sessions, often open to the public, unveils current debates on the preservation of the steep terraced fields that once fed ancient populations. Engaging with researchers can transform a simple sightseeing trip into a participatory glimpse of living heritage stewardship.

Introduction

District and municipality in İzmir, TurkeyBergamaDistrict and municipalityView of ancient Pergamon theatre and city LogoMap showing Bergama District in İzmir ProvinceBergamaLocation in TurkeyShow map of TurkeyBergamaBergama (İzmir)Show map of İzmirCoordinates: 39°07′N 27°11′E / 39.117°N 27.183°E / 39.117; 27.183CountryTurkeyProvinceİzmirGovernment • MayorTanju Çelik (CHP) • KaymakamAvni OralArea1,544 km2 (596 sq mi)Elevation68 m (223 ft)Population (2022)105,754 • Density68.49/km2 (177.4/sq mi)Time zoneUTC+3 (TRT)Postal code35700Area code0232Websitewww.bergama.bel.tr www.bergama.gov.tr Bergama is a municipality and district of İzmir Province, Turkey. Its area is 1,544 km2, and its population is 105,754 (2022). By excluding İzmir's metropolitan area, it is one of the prominent districts of the province in terms of population and is largely urbanized at the rate of 53.6%. Bergama center is situated at a distance of 118 km (73 mi) to the north from the point of departure of the traditional center of İzmir (Konak Square in Konak, İzmir) and lies at a distance of 27 km (17 mi) inland from the nearest seacoast at the town of Dikili to its west. Bergama district area neighbors the areas of three districts of Balıkesir Province to its north, namely Ayvalık, Burhaniye and İvrindi, İzmir Province district of Kınık and Manisa Province district of Soma to its east, while to the south it is bordered by Yunusemre district of Manisa Province and two other İzmir Province districts along the coast that are Aliağa and Dikili from its south towards its west. The district area's physical features are determined by the alluvial plain of Bakırçay River.

Sights of interest within Bergama city

[edit] Kursunlu Mosque Selçuk Minaret built in the 14th century Çukurhan caravanserai built in the 14th century Taşhan caravanserai built in 1432 Great Mosque of Bergama built in 1399 Şadırvanlı Mosque built in 1550 Zeus Altar (Now in Berlin Museum) Acropolis - accessible by the Bergama Acropolis Gondola from the base station north east of the town Asklepion Bergama is also known for its historic quarter, where old Ottoman houses in the traditional style are found. Historic bridges[edit] As an ancient settlement at the northern edge of the Bakırçay River valley, with tributary streams flowing down from the Madra Mountains, Bergama retains many historic bridges. The area next to the River Selinus (Bergama Çayı) at the base of the Pergamon Massif was developed extensively in Roman times, and the Selinus was canalized to allow construction along the river's course. By the reign of Hadrian (AD 117–138), development was so extensive that the Selinus was enclosed in two long tunnels where it runs in front of the Red Basilica, allowing a huge sacred precinct or temenos, to be built on top. The resulting structure, the Pergamon Bridge (sometimes known as Musluk Köprusu, survives to this day. Each of the tunnels spans 9 m (30 ft); the northern one has a length of 196 m (643 ft) and the southern 185 m (607 ft). The entrance to the structure is at approximately 39°07′23″N 27°10′54″E / 39.12306°N 27.18167°E / 39.12306; 27.18167 and the exit at 39°07′17.5″N 27°10′58″E / 39.121528°N 27.18278°E / 39.121528; 27.18278. Other ancient bridges in Bergama include: The Ulucami Bridge, with two unequal spans. 39°07′29″N 27°10′45″E / 39.12472°N 27.17917°E / 39.12472; 27.17917 The Tabak Bridge, with two roughly equal spans. 39°07′24″N 27°10′53″E / 39.12333°N 27.18139°E / 39.12333; 27.18139 The Üçkemer Bridge, whose name means "three arches", a longer bridge approached on the south end by a ramp parallel to the river. 39°07′13″N 27°11′03″E / 39.12028°N 27.18417°E / 39.12028; 27.18417

Bergama

From Wikipedia

A day beyond the ruins

Seasonal rhythms for the attentive traveller

Beyond the guidebooks: the scholarly trail

Introduction

Name

General features

History

Climate

Sights of interest within Bergama city

Allianoi

Kozak Plateau

Ovacık gold mine

Wind turbine manufacturing

Bergama Carpets

Bergama Festival

Composition

International relations