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Manisa is located 36 km from Izmir between the Spil Mountain and the Gediz River
to the north of the Izmir-Istanbul highway and is one of the important cities of
the Aegean Region. Homer tells us that the first settlement was founded by Magnets
in the XIV Century B.C. on returning from the Trojan War. Manisa has been ruled
by: Hittites, Arzawas, Phrygians, Lydians, Hellens, Romans and Byzantines. The city
was first known as Magnesia. In 1313 it was taken by Saruhanoğulları from the Byzantines
and its name changed to Manisa. It then became the capital of the Sultanate. Many
relics of these early civilizations may be found today, either at ground level or
from archeological excavations.
Between 1437 and 1595 of the Ottoman era Manisa was ruled by Shahzades (Princes)who
commissioned many works of art such as mosques, fountains, alms houses, bridges,
madrasahs and many others. In the XIV Century the city became an important centre
for the social, administrative and economic life of the area.
Every year an increasing number of tourists visit Manisa, attracted by its historical
and natural assets and museums; by the Spil mountain, the National Park and “Mesir”
festivals..
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