SiDE


Side is an ancient port which was founded in the 7C BC by Eolians colonists who had come from the north of Smyrna. The name Side, which means "pomegranate", is thought to have been the symbol of the city because it was represented on the local coins. Before and after the Hellenistic period, taking advantage of the natural location of their city built on a long peninsula, the inhabitants of Side were indulged in the practices of piracy which were more remunerative than shipbuilding activities. The place was long reputed as a slave market. In the 3C BC, Side came under the domination of the Ptolemy of Egypt and Seleucids of Syria. From the 2C and 1C BC, due to its good relations with Rome, Side, now devoted to trade, enjoyed a first period of prosperity. After the establishment of the "Pax Romana" (Roman Peace), between the 2-3C AD Side reached its peak, as can be seen through the numerous monuments built at that period. In the 4C, the city declined altogether with the Empire. However, in the 5C under the Byzantines, it prospered again as a bishopric. Later ruined by earthquakes and raids, the site was completely abandoned. A massive settlement took place in 1895 when Turkish immigrants from Crete settled here.

SiDE

Today Side has become a pretty resort town, its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, numerous shops and extensive tourist accommodation attract trongs of visitors. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with a view of sea, and the shops that line the narrow streets sell typical Turkish handicrafts including leather goods and Turkey's famous beautiful gold jewlry. The manginicent theater of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in the whole area. Other monuments include the agora, the Temple of Apollo, which is situtated near the sea, a fountain and necropolis. The extensive Roman baths, now a museum, houses one of Turkey's finest archelogical collections.

Tucked in pine forests east of Side, the holiday resorts of Sorgun, Titreyen Göl (Blue Flag) and Kizilagac are popular for their sandy beaches and sparkling sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, the accommodation plentiful and activities endless.

West of Side, the holiday centers of Kumköy, Çolakli and Kamelya also offer sun and sea, in close proximity to ancient sites.