Founded by a Latin merchant in the 14th century after the port of Ephesus lost its importance, this islet, connected to the mainland by a causeway, was named "Scalanova" or "New Harbor". Once under the Ottoman rule its name was changed to "Kusadasi" (koo shah dah suh), Bird or Pigeon Island, due to the migratory birds that roosted there. In the 1600's the Genoese Castle/Fort was constructed to protect the city from enemy ships.
Today, with the lovely gardens, the pigeon houses scattered throughout, tea houses and lovely views, the area is mainly used as a place to take a walk and it is popular with the local courting couples as a place to cuddle up in the battlements.
Kusadasi is, today, a port for luxury sea liners, with 4 per day in the high season, charter planes and tour buses. It has a fast paced night life, matched only by Bodrum and Istanbul, and draws a rather rowdy crowd of foreign visitors. This day as we sat on the causeway, we watched one of the ships depart, which was an interesting proceedure and took well over an hour.
Ok, let's go...
Follow me...
Backing out of the docks...
Further out...
Turning...
Turning...
Ok, you are on your own now...
Safe sailing...
Bye Bye!!
Kusadasi draws large holiday crowds other than the tours with their resort hotels, beaches, water parks (3), and abundant water sports. There could be worse places to holiday.
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