Historical and Geographical Context
The city of Çeşme, located on the western coast of Anatolia, was established around the 7th century BC and is one of the twelve Ionian cities known as ERYTHRAI (ERYTHRE) in ancient times. Çeşme, called Cyssus in ancient times, is believed to have derived its name from the fountains in the area. The abundance of spring waters in and around Çeşme, which over time led to the creation of many fountains flowing with ice-cold water, is the rationale for its name.
ERYTHRE had significant economic power in the 7th and 8th centuries BC. The city established commercial relations with the Eastern Mediterranean, especially Cyprus, controlling the trade of slaves and wine. After the Trojan Wars, ERYTHRE was established, becoming wealthy over time and was subsequently under the dominion of the Kingdom of Pergamon and then to the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, ERYTHRE and Çeşme region, was part of the Byzantine Empire, later fell into the hands of the Seljuks during the period of Çaka Bey. The historical richness of Çeşme has been highlighted by archaeological excavations in Ildırı, uncovering an ancient theater and the ruins of the Temple of Athena.
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