Alaçatı Guide
History Of Alaçatı
The history of Alaçatı district extends back to the archaic period. Alaçatı, which was named as “Agrilia” in the Ancient Age, is right at the middle of the region called “Ionia” that starts from the south of Izmir ends in the Menderes River. And in the early Ottoman period, Alaçatı was known as the village of infantries or cavalries. Its name ‘Alaçatı’ comes from ‘Alacaat Tribe’ who settled here back then. Hacı Memiş Agha, who became the representative of the region in 1830s, invited the Greek people living in Chios to the region. The young Greeks began helping the public by working in the vineyards and the olive groves. And also a channel had been opened from Village Alacaat to Alaçatı Harbor with their help in order to drain the swamp for solving the problem of malaria. Thus Turkish people gave their fields to Greek workers, who helped this channel construction, provided that they will “reconstruct” and cultivate these lands. Thus a village was founded only within few kilometers away from the coastline. The stone houses that are being renovated one by one today are these houses constructed between the years 1850-1890.
Historical Symbol Of Alaçatı: Windmills
Stone windmills, which are from around year 1850 and now seen as the symbol of Alaçatı, are among the oldest structures of the district. Four stone mills rising side by side on one of the highest points of the center now wait for visitors to share their stories in the green tea garden in front of them. And right across these old mills adding a unique nostalgia and spirit to Alaçatı, the new wind turbines providing energy to Turkey attract attention. These wind turbines dancing in the sky to generate electricity are just look like they waving to those coming and leaving Alaçatı.
Alaçatı Bazaar
Held on Saturdays, Alaçatı market is the most famous one in Cesme Peninsula. There’s nothing missing in this market. Everything from edibles such as fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, olive, wallnuts, hazelnuts, lavender, blackberry jam, mastic coffee and paste to variety of cloths, linen bedding sets, towels, waist cloths, ceramic and wooden items and various kinds of fresh flowers, can be found in this market. If you like herbs, you will find a variety of regional herbs such as karabaş otu(downy woundwort), radika (catsear), arap saçı (wild fennel), turpotu (radish), çibrika (wild thyme),mercan köşkü (marjoram), reyhan (basil), ıtır otları (cranesbill). This region is famous for artichoke and melon. This market has become so popular that people from different towns and cities around come here for shopping. It might not be a good experience to visit the market at noons, when extremely hot weather is combined with excessive crowd. The best times are early mornings or afternoons. The other markets around Alaçatı: Çeşme (Sunday), Ildırı (Monday), Çeşmealtı (Friday), Urla (Saturday), Seferihisar Organic Market (Saturday)
The Mosque & Square
A valuable spot of this route is Pazar Yeri Camii, which was transformed into a mosque from a church. The mosque was renovated 3 years ago maintaining the icons inside. During worshipping hours a curtain is used to hide these icons. When the curtains open these icons from the actual makers of this village, pay tribute to the Greek. Another beauty of this mosque is the mosaics covering the whole yard with black and white pebble stones. This kind of masonry that is a century old and called Podima or Krokalia (back of a crocodile) is admirable. Alaçatı is also lucky due to the fact that for a long time it has been a principle to keep the natural textures of the buildings. The renovation projects of the buildings are first evaluated and approved by a respected council to be carried out. This makes it possible for these amazing stone buildings to stand in line with their origins.
Fish Auction
Another interesting experience in Alaçatı Marketplace area is the Fish Auction. Every morning at 11:00 in the auction building located on the market road, fresh fish are sold. It is very exciting to watch this contentious auction.
Alaçatı Marina
Alaçatı Marina, has been the new hub of Çeşme Peninsula opening to South Aegean. Its resident boats can use this place as a base while heading to Seferihisar, Samos, Furni, Ikaria, Patmos, Arki, Lipsi, Leros etc. It also makes it possible to spend pleasant time in isolated coves for a day.
Bike Friendly Alaçatı
Alaçatı being recognized with surfing due to its famous wind and having the most important surf centers in Turkey, is also prefered for being bicycle friendly, especially in the last years. The special roads built with Alaçatı Tourism Association’s intensive efforts, bicycles provided by the hotels and rentable bicycles also played active role in this growing interest. Either be a professional cyclist, a surfer who wants to condition or a traveller with amateur spirit; cycling through the joyful streets of Alaçatı will be good for your soul.
Alaçatı Cuisine & Tastes
The Aegean is the cradle of civilization and both the sea and lands are blessed with history and bounty Izmir is the pearl of the Aegean and not only is it the only Turkish city on a list of ”The World’s Best Cites to Live In “, but it is also ranked in 6th place. Could it be a coincidence that the only place from Turkey on the New York Times Magaz’ne’s List of ”Places to See Before You Die” is lzmir’s Alacati… This is an indication that Izmir, Cesme, and Alacati head the lists of places that must be experienced and enjoyed.
Beaches
Ilıca Beach
Alaçatı Çark Beach
Piyade Bay and Beach
Paşa Port Beach
Ayayorgi Beach
Çiftlikköy – Pırlanta Beach
Altınkum Beach
Windsurf and Kite Surf
Alaçatı is one of the special windsurf paradises in the world with its wind through the year. An ideal location to start windsurfing due to shallow water of the bay and being sheltered. The windsurfing schools right after the marina both provide training and rent windsurf, windsurfing clothes to the ones who know windsurfing. Windsurfers can keep their windsurfing equipments in the storages here throughout the year.