Pergamon- Kozak Plateau
Bergama is located on the north of Izmir, 100 km ofrom the city center, is one of the most important settling areas of the antique age. Bergama shines like a light in Anatolia with its history that goes back to preshistoric times and buildings and sculptures from the Pergamon Kingdom and the Roman Empire.
Bergama ist the leading health center of Anatoia. Its posesses one of the three biggest Asclepions of the antique age consecrtaed to Asklpios, the god of health. Galenos, who is referred to as the father of pharmaceutics has healed is parents in the asclepion of Bergama. A tablet attracts attenion ot he monumental entrance gate of the Asclepion, where the methods of curing by instilling and music were applied fairly well “No entrance by illness”.
Bergama gets its name from the Pergamon Kingdom founded in the antique age. Although the history of Bergama and its vicinty keeps going back further to scientific reserarches it is believed that urbanization has started with the Ionian era.
Bergama, which is advanced in the art of weaving, is especially famous for its kilims. Nonetheless; bed linens, thin cotton fabrics, wool carpetbags and prayer rughs have an important plance in weaving. Plate shops lined up along the Bergama Brook are worth seeing and going aruound. It is a tradition which is still alive in Bergama for the profession of plate making decends from father to son.
Kozak Plateau, with pine forests, cold waters gushing from fountains and clean air, Kozak Plateau which is 20 km from Bergama, is a favorite spot for nature lovers. It offers possiblilites for nature and hunting tourism. The most important means of living in the small villages of Kozak Plateau; Kaplan, Aşağıbey, Aşağı Cuma is pine nut. Carpets and kilims in the area of Yunt Mountains are the most characteristic craftman’s products of the district.
On the way to Bergama take the opportunity and visit Menemen. Where you take cold refreshment called Ayran and have alook at the special Menemen-handmade earthware jugs.
