Bergama, Turkey
Region: Izmir
Geographic Coordinates: 39.116700, 27.183300
Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Bergama, Turkey vary throughout the year.
Population: 103185
Language: Turkish
Bergama, Also known as Pergamon, Is a captivating town located in the Izmir Province of western Turkey. Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, Bergama offers visitors a unique blend of ancient ruins, Cultural heritage, And stunning vistas. At the heart of Bergama lies the Acropolis of Pergamon, An archaeological site that was once home to one of the most important cities in ancient Greece. The remnants of this grand city include the impressive Temple of Trajan, Library of Pergamum (which housed over 200, 000 scrolls), And the famous Theater built into the hillside.
The theater itself is an architectural marvel with its seating capacity for 10, 000 spectators and offers panoramic views over Bergama. Another must-visit attraction is the Asklepion healing center. This ancient medical complex was dedicated to Asclepius – god of healing – and attracted patients from all corners of the Roman Empire seeking treatment for various ailments. Today, Visitors can explore this well-preserved site which includes a library, Temples dedicated to other deities like Apollo and Hygieia (goddess of health), As well as thermal baths. Beyond its historical sites, Bergama boasts natural beauty that will leave you breathless.
A cable car ride up Mount Ida provides awe-inspiring views stretching across lush valleys dotted with olive groves. Atop Mount Ida stands Zeus Altar (Kazdaglari National Park), Where according to Greek mythology Zeus watched over Troy during battles between gods. For those seeking a taste of local culture and tradition, Wandering through Bergama’s vibrant bazaars is a must-do activity. Here you can find traditional handicrafts such as carpets woven by local artisans using age-old techniques passed down through generations. To complete your experience in Bergama, Turkey’s culinary delights are not-to-be-missed!
Sample mouthwatering local dishes like Peynirli Pide (cheese-filled flatbread) or Çiğ Köfte (spicy raw meatballs). And don’t forget to indulge in the famous Bergama dessert, Kozde Patlican Tatlısı, A sweet treat made from roasted eggplant. Bergama is a hidden gem that offers a remarkable journey through time. Its ancient ruins and historical sites transport visitors back to the glory days of Greece and Rome, While its natural beauty and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable destination.
Whether you are an avid history enthusiast, Nature lover, Or simply seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Bergama is bound to captivate your senses and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
- Pergamon Acropolis: This ancient Greek city was once a major cultural and political center. It is home to impressive ruins including the Altar of Zeus, the Library of Pergamon, and the Great Theater.
- Asclepion: Located near Pergamon Acropolis, this ancient healing center was dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. Visitors can explore its well-preserved ruins and learn about ancient medical practices.
- Red Basilica (Serapeum): This monumental Roman temple is one of the largest surviving structures from ancient times in Bergama. It was originally built as a temple for Egyptian gods but later converted into a Christian church.
- Bergama Museum: Housed in an old Ottoman hospital building, this museum showcases artifacts from the region’s rich history including sculptures, pottery, coins, and jewelry.
- Kizil Avlu (Red Courtyard): Situated at the base of Pergamon Acropolis, this courtyard features several columns that once supported a grand stoa (covered walkway). It offers panoramic views of Bergama’s surrounding landscape.
- Selcuk Mosque: Built during Ottoman rule in Turkey, this mosque is known for its beautiful architecture featuring intricate tile work and calligraphy.
- Archeological Site of Allianoi: Located approximately 18 kilometers from Bergama city center, this site contains remains of an ancient Roman spa town with well-preserved baths and other structures.
- Yildirim Beyazit Mosque Complex: This historical complex includes a mosque dating back to 1391 as well as other buildings such as madrasas (Islamic schools) and tombs.
- Turkish Orthodox Church Museum: Housed within an old church building constructed during Byzantine times, this museum displays religious artifacts related to Orthodox Christianity.
- Bergama Cable Car: For a unique experience, visitors can take a cable car ride to the top of Pergamon Acropolis, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
- Agriculture: Bergama has a strong agricultural industry, with a focus on olive and olive oil production. The region is famous for its high-quality olives and is one of the leading olive oil producers in Turkey.
- Mining: Bergama has rich mineral resources, particularly gold and copper deposits. Several mining companies operate in the area, extracting and processing these minerals.
- Tourism: The ancient city of Pergamon (also known as Bergama) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many tourists each year. The city’s historical ruins, including the Acropolis, Asclepion (ancient medical center), Red Basilica (Serapis Temple), and Asklepion Theater are major attractions.
- Manufacturing: There are various manufacturing industries in Bergama that produce textiles, food products, furniture, ceramics, metal goods, machinery parts, and automotive components.
- Services sector: As with any town or city in Turkey, services such as retail stores, restaurants/cafes/hotels cater to both locals and tourists alike.
- Education: Bergama is home to several educational institutions ranging from primary schools to high schools as well as vocational training centers.
- Agriculture-related industries: Alongside olive oil production mentioned earlier; other agriculture-related businesses such as wineries/wine production may also be found in the region due to favorable climate conditions for grape cultivation.
It’s worth noting that this list provides an overview of major industries but may not be exhaustive or cover all businesses operating within Bergama.
- Ancient City of Pergamon: The most significant historical site in Bergama is the ancient city of Pergamon (also known as Pergamum). It was once a major center of Hellenistic civilization and the capital of the Attalid dynasty. Pergamon was renowned for its library, second only to Alexandria’s, which housed around 200,000 scrolls.
- Altar of Zeus: One of the most famous structures within Pergamon is the Altar of Zeus (also called Zeus Altar or Great Altar). Built during the 2nd century BC, it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Asclepion: Another significant site within Pergamon is its ancient medical center known as Asclepion. It was dedicated to Asclepius, god of healing, and attracted patients from across Greece and Rome seeking medical treatments.
- Galen: A renowned physician and philosopher in ancient Rome named Claudius Galenus (Galen) was born in Bergama around 129 AD. He made significant contributions to medicine and served as personal physician to several Roman emperors.
- Red Basilica: Located in Bergama’s modern city center is Kızıl Avlu or Red Basilica—a massive Roman temple dedicated to Egyptian gods Serapis and Isis during Hellenistic times but later converted into a Christian church.
- Ottoman Period: After centuries under Greek-Roman influence, Bergama became part of the Ottoman Empire during Sultan Mehmed II’s reign in 1455 AD until Turkey’s independence after World War I.
- Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum in Bergama houses an extensive collection from various periods including artifacts from Pergamon, Asclepion, and other ancient sites in the region.
These notable historical events and people have contributed to Bergama’s significance as a prominent archaeological site and a place of cultural importance in Turkey.
- Pergamon Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Pergamon, including sculptures, pottery, and architectural fragments.
- Acropolis of Pergamon: Explore the ruins of the ancient city’s acropolis, which includes the famous Library of Pergamum and the Temple of Trajan.
- Asklepion: Visit this ancient healing center dedicated to Asklepios, the Greek god of health. The site features a theater, temples, and therapeutic baths.
- Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu): Admire the remains of a colossal Roman temple that was later converted into a Christian basilica. Its red brick exterior is striking.
- Bergama Archaeological Museum: Discover more archaeological treasures from Bergama and its surrounding areas in this museum, which showcases artifacts from various historical periods.
- Selçuklu Mosque (Ulu Cami): Marvel at this beautiful mosque built during Seljuk rule in Turkey with its intricate stone carvings and elegant architecture.
- Zeus Altar (Temenos): Hike up to this hilltop sanctuary dedicated to Zeus where you can witness panoramic views over Bergama’s landscape.
- Asclepion Theatre: Enjoy performances at this well-preserved Roman theater located within Asklepion complex; it offers an incredible setting for cultural events today.
- Ataturk House Museum: Visit Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s former residence in Bergama; now transformed into a museum that portrays his life and achievements as Turkey’s founder.
- Bergama Castle (Pergamon Castle): Take a walk through history while exploring the ruins of this medieval castle perched on top of a hill offering breathtaking views over Bergama.
- Bergama Belediyespor: Bergama Belediyespor is a local football (soccer) club based in Bergama. The team was founded in 1967 and currently competes in lower divisions of Turkish football.
- Bergamaspor: Another local football club from Bergama, Bergamaspor has had some success at regional levels over the years.
- Pergamon Basketbol: Pergamon Basketbol is a basketball team representing Bergama. They compete in various regional leagues and tournaments.
- Wrestling Clubs: Wrestling holds great importance in Turkish culture, and there are several wrestling clubs or güreş kulüpleri present in Bergama that promote traditional Turkish wrestling styles such as oil wrestling (Yağlı Güreş).
While these teams may not have achieved national or international prominence, they contribute to the sporting spirit of the town and provide opportunities for locals to participate and enjoy various sports activities.
- Bergama International Festival: This annual festival features various performances including music concerts, dance shows, theater plays, and art exhibitions. It takes place in July and August.
- Pergamon Theater Festival: Held every summer at the ancient Pergamon Theater, this festival showcases classical plays and performances inspired by ancient Greek theater traditions.
- Bergama Kermes: This traditional fair takes place in May each year and offers a variety of local products such as handicrafts, textiles, food items, and agricultural products.
- Red Basilica Wine Festival: Celebrated in September at the Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu), this festival highlights the local wine production with wine tasting sessions, vineyard tours, music performances, and traditional dances.
- Olive Harvest Festivals: In November when olive harvesting season begins, several villages around Bergama organize festivals to celebrate the harvest with traditional music performances, olive oil tastings cooking competitions using olives as ingredients etc.
- Traditional Wrestling Competitions (Yağlı Güreş): These wrestling competitions are held annually in different locations around Bergama where wrestlers compete against each other wearing leather pants covered with olive oil to make it more challenging for opponents to grab hold of them.
- Independence Day Celebrations: On October 29th each year Turkey celebrates its Independence Day which is also celebrated in Bergama with parades featuring marching bands and various cultural activities showcasing Turkish heritage.
Please note that some events may vary from year to year or have been affected by recent circumstances such as COVID-19 restrictions; therefore it is recommended to check for updated information before planning your visit.
- Kozbeyli Restaurant: This traditional restaurant offers a variety of local dishes such as kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), and mezes (appetizers). It is particularly famous for its lamb dishes cooked in a traditional oven.
- Taş Kahve: A charming café located in the old town area of Bergama, Taş Kahve serves delicious Turkish breakfasts with fresh bread, olives, cheese, and homemade jams. It’s also a great place to enjoy Turkish tea or coffee while admiring the historical surroundings.
- Güreşçi Et Mangal: Known for its grilled meats and kebabs, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options. Their succulent lamb chops and mixed grills are highly recommended.
- Şimşirlik Restaurant: Situated on the outskirts of Bergama near the ancient city of Pergamon (Bergama’s main attraction), Şimşirlik Restaurant provides stunning views while serving traditional Turkish cuisine like mantı (Turkish dumplings) and gözleme (stuffed flatbread).
- Ayvalık Toast House: Although not strictly in Bergama but nearby Ayvalık district, this eatery is worth mentioning due to its popularity among locals and tourists alike. It specializes in Ayvalık tostu, a grilled sandwich filled with various ingredients such as cheese, sausage, tomatoes, peppers or sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage).
- Köfteci İsmail Usta: Located near Ataturk Boulevard in central Bergama, this small köfteci (kebab shop) is renowned for its köfte sandwiches made from minced meat mixed with spices then grilled to perfection.
- Celebi Restaurant: Situated in the heart of Bergama, Celebi offers a wide range of Turkish dishes including mezes, fresh seafood, and grilled meats. It is known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service.
These are just a few examples of the popular local cuisine and restaurants in Bergama. Exploring the town’s streets will reveal many more hidden gems to satisfy your taste buds with authentic Turkish flavors.
- Pergamon Acropolis: This ancient site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ruins of the ancient city of Pergamon.
- Red Basilica: Located in the center of Bergama, this Roman temple turned church offers a beautiful park setting where visitors can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Bergama Kestel Recreation Area: Situated on Mount Ida, this recreational area provides hiking trails, picnic spots, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Asclepion Health Center: This ancient medical complex offers visitors a chance to explore its ruins while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.
- Zeus Altar Hiking Trail: This hiking trail starts from Pergamon Acropolis and leads to Zeus Altar, offering breathtaking views along the way.
- Dikili Beach: Although not directly in Bergama, Dikili Beach is located nearby and provides an opportunity for swimming, sunbathing or simply relaxing by the sea.
- Yortanlı Dam Lake: A serene lake located near Bergama where visitors can enjoy boating or fishing activities amidst picturesque surroundings.
- Local Parks: There are several small parks throughout Bergama where locals gather for picnics or children play areas with swings and slides.
These are just some examples of public parks and recreational activities available in Bergama, Turkey.
