Çavdarhisar

From Turkey Travel Guide

Çavdarhisar

Çavdarhisar by mariurupe

Coordinates 39°12′N 29°37′E

elevation

1017 m. (3,337 ft.)

population

13538

website

http://www.cavdarhisar.bel.tr/

Loading map...

Cavdarhisar.jpg Çavdarhisar http://www.flickr.com/photos/brieftaube/459906176/ mariurupe

Location of Çavdarhisar within Turkey.

Çavdarhisar is a town of Kütahya in the Aegean Region of Turkey. Famous Aizanoi antic city and the temple of Zeus.

[edit] History

Çavdarhisar, originally known as Aizanoi, has been inhabited since 3000 BC, and grew wealthy under the Roman Empire through production of wool, grain, and wine. It grew to a city during the first century and reached its peak during the second and third centuries. It claims to have been the location of the first gold exchange market in history. Under the Byzantine Empire, it was a center of of episcopacy, but gradually lost influence in the 7th century. Today it is a small town with a population of less than 5,000, but still has the remnants of its glory days. The stunning ruins make this village a fascinating place to visit, in a charming rural setting.

[edit] Navigation

There is only one major road going through the town off the highway. To reach the ruins, follow it about a kilometer north-west from the highway. All the other sites can be reached off of this road.

[edit] Weather

The weather information below belongs to Kütahya which is the nearest city to Çavdarhisar.

[edit] Getting there

The best way to reach Çavdarhisar is from Kütayha, because that highway is the most modern.

[edit] By plane

[edit] By train

There are no direct train routes, but a bus or dolmus could be caught from Kütahya, which is easily reached by train.

[edit] By car

It is recommended to drive to the town from the north, because the highway is in better repair in this direction.

[edit] By bus

From Kütahya, there are frequent buses and dolmuses. The dolmus leaves from the back of the parking lot at the Kütahya bus station, but if you speak with the driver, he may recommend you take the bus if it is leaving sooner. The bus departs from a normal platform, and since Çavdarhisar is not its final destination, make sure the steward knows where you are going.

The trip is about one hour.

[edit] By boat

[edit] Getting around

There are no public transportation options in this town, but everything is in reasonable walking distance.

[edit] By car

Many people find it most convenient to drive to this city and then between sites.

[edit] By public transport

[edit] By foot

Hiking between sites is in many ways ideal, not least because it allows for the most direct routes.

[edit] By bike

This flat, rural town would be an ideal place for bicycles, but they would have to be brought with.

[edit] See

All of the major sites are easily reached on foot from the main road.

[edit] The Temple of Zeus

About a kilometer from the highway is the remarkably well preserved Temple of Zeus. The temple, arguable one of the best preserved in the world, is open for walking through, including the basement crypt. Built in the early second century, this site is free and open during daylight hours. Some of the best sculptures are to the right of the temple in a fenced off area. There are additional excavations behind the site.

[edit] The Agora

Before the bridge on the main road, about 300 meters from the Temple of Zeus, take a left (if walking away from the highway) and walk about half a kilometer to the agora and circular market building. If you look closely on the outside walls of the round building, you can see the marks denoting the prices set by Emperor Hadrian to combat inflation.

[edit] The Gymnasium

About 200 meters beyond the Temple of Zeus on the right is the Gymnasium from the second century.

[edit] The Stadium and Theater

The only know building of its kind, the Stadium/Theater complex is immediately to the right of the Gymnasium. Closer to the road is the stadium part, which shares a wall with the theater. The theater has been badly damaged in recent earthquakes, but remains impressive.

[edit] The Bath

Before the bridge on the main road, on the same side as the highway, follow the road to the left to reach the ancient bath. Some farmers have been using it as a goose pen, just one example of how the town has integrated its past into its modern buildings.

[edit] Do

The main activity here is hiking between ancient sites.

[edit] Eat

There are few grocery stores, much less restaurants in town. The few choices along the highway are friendly and glad to have visitors.

[edit] Drink

For nightlife one should travel to nearby Kütahya.

[edit] Sleep

There are no hotels in this town, but one may be able to get permission to camp on someone's land. Kütahya is the best option for spending the night.

[edit] Budget

[edit] Mid-Range

[edit] Upscale

[edit] Work

This small town is best for day trips, long term employment may be found in Kütahya.

[edit] Learn

Kütahya's Dumlupinar University offers a variety of courses, including life-long learning courses on subjects like tile painting.

[edit] Keep connected

A visitor might be able to find a pay phone or a place to buy cell phone credit, but communication needs should be taken care of elsewhere.

[edit] Internet

[edit] Phone

[edit] Post

The post office is about 500 meters south on the highway that runs along the town.

[edit] Safety

It is a safe feeling small town, but use common sense. Travelers will want to be aware of the bus schedule so as not to be stranded here over night.

[edit] Stay Healthy

Bring plenty of water, shops can be difficult to find here. Also be extra careful to bring any medications necessary, as there are also few pharmacies.

[edit] External links