Denizli
Encyclopedia
Denizli is a growing industrial city in the Southwestern part of Turkey and the eastern end of the alluvial valley formed by the river Büyük Menderes, where the plain reaches an elevation of about a hundred meters. Denizli is located in southwestern Turkey
, in the country's Aegean Region.
The city has a population of about 498,643 (2010 census). It jumped from 389,000 in 2007, due to the merger of 13 municipalities and 10 villages. The area of Denizli Municipality has increased almost five times and the population increase become around 50 percent. Denizli (Municipality) is the capital city of Denizli
Province
.
Denizli has achieved a remarkable economic development in the last decades based notably on textile production and exports. Having become a vibrant center of manufacturing focused on exportation, Denizli is frequently cited, along with a number of other Turkish cities, as one of the foremost examples of "Anatolian Tigers
" in reference to its rapid pace of development.
Denizli also attracts many visitors to the nearby mineral-coated hillside hot spring of Pamukkale
, and with red color thermal water spa hotels Karahayıt, just 5 km north of Pamukkale. Recently, Denizli becomes a major domestic tourism destination due to the various types of thermal waters in Sarayköy, Central/Denizli (where Karahayıt and Pamukkale towns are located), Akköy (Gölemezli), Buldan (Yenicekent), Çardak districts.
The ancient ruined city of Hierapolis
, as well as ruins of the city of Laodicea on the Lycus
, the ancient metropolis of Phrygia
. Also in the depending of Honaz
, about 10 miles west of Denizli is, what was, in the 1st century AD, the city of Colossae
.
The weather is hot in Denizli in summers, whereas in winters, it may occasionally be very cold with snow on the mountains that surround the city. Some years, snow can be observed in the urban areas. Springs and autumns are rainy, mild climate, warm.
The name mutated through several spellings and may have referred to the abundance of underground water sources or the city's location on the way to western Turkey's lakes region nearby.
and Roman
towns nearby, (Hierapolis
and Laodicea on the Lycus
), which persisted through the Byzantine
period.
The city was founded in its current location after the area has been settled by the Turks
. The inhabitants of Laodicea were resettled here in the Seljuk
period.
In the 17th century, the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi
visited Denizli and recorded the town as follows: "The city is called (Denizli) (which means seaside in Turkish) as there are several rivers and lakes around it. In fact it is a four day trip from the sea. Its fortress is of square shape built on flat ground. It has no ditches. Its periphery is 470 steps long. It has four gates. These are: painters gate in North, saddle-makers gate in the East, new Mosque gate in the South, and vineyard gate in the West. There are some fifty armed watchmen in the fortress, and they attend the shop. The main city is outside the fortress with 44 districts and 3600 houses. There are 57 small and large mosques and district masjids, 7 madrasahs, 7 children's schools, 6 baths and 17 dervish
lodges. As everybody lives in vineyards the upper classes and ordinary people do not flee from each other."
The city lived in peace for centuries without being involved in wars in a direct manner. Following World War I
during the Independence War, the Greek forces managed to come as close as Sarayköy
, a small town 20 km (12 mi) northwest of Denizli, but did not venture into Denizli where resistance was being prepared.
Aside its visitor's attractions, the city of Denizli is known for its textile industry
and (and outlet shopping for cut-price clothing), for connected fields of activity such as the dye industry, and for its famous roosters
. The saying goes that Denizli is known for 'kız', 'toz' and 'horoz'; respectively, the girls, the dust and the roosters. Resourceful in catchy phraseologies evolving from the folk culture, the region also affirms itself by saying "Denizli'nin horozları bellidir" (the roosters of Denizli make themselves known).
In the city itself, air pollution from coal-fired central-heating become a problem in winter. However, with the quickly expanding network and extensive usage of natural gas, air pollution problem has declined greatly in the elevated parts of the city, especially where only natural gas are used for heating.
There are some highly-regarded high schools such as Denizli Anadolu Öğretmen Lisesi, Denizli Anadolu Lisesi, and Denizli Erbakır Fen Lisesi.
Pamukkale University
opened in the 1990s, now in phase of academic maturing with more than 28,000 students. Many young people still leave to go to university in İzmir
, Ankara
or Istanbul
, and sometimes stay there to build careers.
The region's inhabitants have been influenced by the production of grapes and the wine since centuries and a joyful culture is present in Denizli, although it is coupled with hard working and creative thinking, reflected in an apparent conservatism. For example, it is sometimes difficult to get a license to sell alcohol.
On the other hand, the new wealth in Denizli has been much more rapid than many other places in Turkey in investing in developing an urban culture
. Many private clubs and associations are opening up including: The society for the Protection of the Environment and History of Denizli; The Poets and Poetry Lovers Association; the Pizza Appreciation Group and the Jazz-rock Local. There is an annual amateur theater festival, attended by groups from Turkey and overseas. Denizli has the second-largest number of ranking chess-players in Turkey, after Istanbul. Also, inspired by the unusually high reports of UFO sightings in the region over the years, one of the world's handful of museums dedicated to ufology
was recently opened in Denizli.
, although now they are planting Shiraz in the area too. They also make a well-known cherry wine. The Denizli kebab is roast lamb served on flat bread. Zafer Gazozu is a locally produced fizzy fruity flavored soda.
is about 45 minutes drive from the city center.
The extension of İzmir-Aydın highway
to Denizli remains announced since years. Initial infrastructure is laid in Aydın, but the rest is yet to come and the present Aydın-Denizli road, although straight and flat, has a very high level of traffic, especially trucks, with each town along the road possessing its own industrial zone.
with: Bursa, Turkey
Tokat
, Turkey
Almelo
, Netherlands
Pavlodar
, Kazakhstan
Tbilisi
, Georgia
Brăila
, Romania
Samara
, Russia
Rhodes
, Greece
Betzdorf
, Germany
Mogilev
, Belarus
Larissa
, Greece
Lodz
, Poland
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, in the country's Aegean Region.
The city has a population of about 498,643 (2010 census). It jumped from 389,000 in 2007, due to the merger of 13 municipalities and 10 villages. The area of Denizli Municipality has increased almost five times and the population increase become around 50 percent. Denizli (Municipality) is the capital city of Denizli
Denizli Province
Denizli Province is a province of Turkey in Western Anatolia, on high ground above the Aegean coast. Neighbouring provinces are Uşak to the north, Burdur, Isparta, Afyon to the east, Aydın, Manisa to the west and Muğla to the south. It is located between the coordinates 28° 30’ and 29° 30’ E and...
Province
Provinces of Turkey
Turkey is divided into 81 provinces, called il in Turkish .A province is administered by an appointed governor , and was formerly termed a "governorate" ....
.
Denizli has achieved a remarkable economic development in the last decades based notably on textile production and exports. Having become a vibrant center of manufacturing focused on exportation, Denizli is frequently cited, along with a number of other Turkish cities, as one of the foremost examples of "Anatolian Tigers
Anatolian Tigers
Anatolian Tigers is a term internationally used in the context of the Turkish economy to refer to and to explain the phenomenon of a number of cities in Turkey which have displayed impressive growth records since the 1980s, as well as to a defined new breed of entrepreneurs rising in prominence...
" in reference to its rapid pace of development.
Denizli also attracts many visitors to the nearby mineral-coated hillside hot spring of Pamukkale
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water...
, and with red color thermal water spa hotels Karahayıt, just 5 km north of Pamukkale. Recently, Denizli becomes a major domestic tourism destination due to the various types of thermal waters in Sarayköy, Central/Denizli (where Karahayıt and Pamukkale towns are located), Akköy (Gölemezli), Buldan (Yenicekent), Çardak districts.
The ancient ruined city of Hierapolis
Hierapolis
Hierapolis was the ancient Greco-Roman city which sat on top of hot springs located in south western Turkey near Denizli....
, as well as ruins of the city of Laodicea on the Lycus
Laodicea on the Lycus
Laodicea on the Lycus was the ancient metropolis of Phrygia Pacatiana , built on the river Lycus , in Anatolia near the modern village of Eskihisar , Denizli Province,...
, the ancient metropolis of Phrygia
Phrygia
In antiquity, Phrygia was a kingdom in the west central part of Anatolia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. The Phrygians initially lived in the southern Balkans; according to Herodotus, under the name of Bryges , changing it to Phruges after their final migration to Anatolia, via the...
. Also in the depending of Honaz
Honaz
Honaz is a town and a district of Denizli Province in the Aegean Region. It covers an area of...
, about 10 miles west of Denizli is, what was, in the 1st century AD, the city of Colossae
Colossae
Colossae or Colosse , was an ancient city of Phrygia, on the Lycus, which is a tributary of the Maeander River. It was situated about 12 miles South East of Laodicea, and near the great road from Ephesus to the Euphrates...
.
The weather is hot in Denizli in summers, whereas in winters, it may occasionally be very cold with snow on the mountains that surround the city. Some years, snow can be observed in the urban areas. Springs and autumns are rainy, mild climate, warm.
Etymology
The city was formerly known as Denizli Ladik, that is, "Laodicaea on the sea/lake", but the town is not on the coast.The name mutated through several spellings and may have referred to the abundance of underground water sources or the city's location on the way to western Turkey's lakes region nearby.
History
The area has been occupied since prehistoric times, there were important ancient GreekAncient Greek
Ancient Greek is the stage of the Greek language in the periods spanning the times c. 9th–6th centuries BC, , c. 5th–4th centuries BC , and the c. 3rd century BC – 6th century AD of ancient Greece and the ancient world; being predated in the 2nd millennium BC by Mycenaean Greek...
and Roman
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
towns nearby, (Hierapolis
Hierapolis
Hierapolis was the ancient Greco-Roman city which sat on top of hot springs located in south western Turkey near Denizli....
and Laodicea on the Lycus
Laodicea on the Lycus
Laodicea on the Lycus was the ancient metropolis of Phrygia Pacatiana , built on the river Lycus , in Anatolia near the modern village of Eskihisar , Denizli Province,...
), which persisted through the Byzantine
Byzantine
Byzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
period.
The city was founded in its current location after the area has been settled by the Turks
Turkic peoples
The Turkic peoples are peoples residing in northern, central and western Asia, southern Siberia and northwestern China and parts of eastern Europe. They speak languages belonging to the Turkic language family. They share, to varying degrees, certain cultural traits and historical backgrounds...
. The inhabitants of Laodicea were resettled here in the Seljuk
Great Seljuq Empire
The Great Seljuq Empire was a medieval Persianate, Turko-Persian Sunni Muslim empire, originating from the Qynyq branch of Oghuz Turks. The Seljuq Empire controlled a vast area stretching from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf...
period.
In the 17th century, the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi
Evliya Çelebi
Evliya Çelebi was an Ottoman traveler who journeyed through the territory of the Ottoman Empire and neighboring lands over a period of forty years.- Life :...
visited Denizli and recorded the town as follows: "The city is called (Denizli) (which means seaside in Turkish) as there are several rivers and lakes around it. In fact it is a four day trip from the sea. Its fortress is of square shape built on flat ground. It has no ditches. Its periphery is 470 steps long. It has four gates. These are: painters gate in North, saddle-makers gate in the East, new Mosque gate in the South, and vineyard gate in the West. There are some fifty armed watchmen in the fortress, and they attend the shop. The main city is outside the fortress with 44 districts and 3600 houses. There are 57 small and large mosques and district masjids, 7 madrasahs, 7 children's schools, 6 baths and 17 dervish
Dervish
A Dervish or Darvesh is someone treading a Sufi Muslim ascetic path or "Tariqah", known for their extreme poverty and austerity, similar to mendicant friars in Christianity or Hindu/Buddhist/Jain sadhus.-Etymology:The Persian word darvīsh is of ancient origin and descends from a Proto-Iranian...
lodges. As everybody lives in vineyards the upper classes and ordinary people do not flee from each other."
The city lived in peace for centuries without being involved in wars in a direct manner. Following World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
during the Independence War, the Greek forces managed to come as close as Sarayköy
Sarayköy
Sarayköy is a town and district of Denizli Province in Turkey, 20 km west of the city of Denizli, on a plain between mountains and watered by Büyük Menderes River...
, a small town 20 km (12 mi) northwest of Denizli, but did not venture into Denizli where resistance was being prepared.
Climate
Denizli is located in Aegean Region of Turkey, but the climate is not uniform neither in Aegean Region nor in the Province of Denizli. A terrestrial climate may be felt in the center of the province, because the area is like a pathway from the seaside to inland areas. The inland areas, like Çardak, Bozkurt, Çivril, and Çal districts/counties of the Province are cooler and have a higher elevation than the seaside, Western Part of the Province. Therefore there are climatic differences within the Province and even in the Denizli urbanized area. The land is open to winds coming from the Aegean Sea because the mountains are perpendicular to the sea. Winters are rainy or sometimes snowy, but generally mild.Denizli today
Textile industry
The textile industry is primarily concerned with the production of yarn, and cloth and the subsequent design or manufacture of clothing and their distribution. The raw material may be natural, or synthetic using products of the chemical industry....
and (and outlet shopping for cut-price clothing), for connected fields of activity such as the dye industry, and for its famous roosters
Roosters
Roosters is a 1993 American dramatic film with a screenplay by Milcha Sanchez-Scott that is adapted from her play of the same name. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1993 before being released in the United States in 1995....
. The saying goes that Denizli is known for 'kız', 'toz' and 'horoz'; respectively, the girls, the dust and the roosters. Resourceful in catchy phraseologies evolving from the folk culture, the region also affirms itself by saying "Denizli'nin horozları bellidir" (the roosters of Denizli make themselves known).
Economy
The textile industry in Denizli grew rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s making itself a place in the domestic market and for exports. Towels and bathrobes and other home textiles are products associated with Denizli in particular emphasis. Thus, Denizli grew rapidly in the last decades, raising a number of very rich businessmen, some reasonable to very good restaurants, notably one renowned across Turkey for serving only mushrooms in different varieties (Mantar Restaurant), and the look and the amenities of a modern city. The biggest firms in the city include Değirmenci and Funika (especially for bathrobes).Lifestyle
The city is quite smart with trees along the main avenues and views of the surrounding mountains from many locations. As Denizli has prospered in the 1990s, new compounds of luxury villas have sprung up on the city's outskirts in areas like Çamlık.In the city itself, air pollution from coal-fired central-heating become a problem in winter. However, with the quickly expanding network and extensive usage of natural gas, air pollution problem has declined greatly in the elevated parts of the city, especially where only natural gas are used for heating.
There are some highly-regarded high schools such as Denizli Anadolu Öğretmen Lisesi, Denizli Anadolu Lisesi, and Denizli Erbakır Fen Lisesi.
Pamukkale University
Pamukkale University
Pamukkale University , founded in 1992 in Denizli in the Denizli Province of Turkey, is a young institution which has been developing rapidly with 30,000 students and 1400 academicians.- Faculty of Education :* Teaching social fields...
opened in the 1990s, now in phase of academic maturing with more than 28,000 students. Many young people still leave to go to university in İzmir
Izmir
Izmir is a large metropolis in the western extremity of Anatolia. The metropolitan area in the entire Izmir Province had a population of 3.35 million as of 2010, making the city third most populous in Turkey...
, Ankara
Ankara
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second largest city after Istanbul. The city has a mean elevation of , and as of 2010 the metropolitan area in the entire Ankara Province had a population of 4.4 million....
or Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
, and sometimes stay there to build careers.
Culture and entertainment
There are large shops, bars and cafes, even some live music, although this is a city that grew recently and is located deep in the countryside. The presence of Pamukkale University improves the cultural amenities of the city.The region's inhabitants have been influenced by the production of grapes and the wine since centuries and a joyful culture is present in Denizli, although it is coupled with hard working and creative thinking, reflected in an apparent conservatism. For example, it is sometimes difficult to get a license to sell alcohol.
On the other hand, the new wealth in Denizli has been much more rapid than many other places in Turkey in investing in developing an urban culture
Urban culture
Urban culture is the culture of towns and cities. In the United States, Urban culture may also sometimes be used as a euphemistic reference to contemporary African American culture.- African American culture :...
. Many private clubs and associations are opening up including: The society for the Protection of the Environment and History of Denizli; The Poets and Poetry Lovers Association; the Pizza Appreciation Group and the Jazz-rock Local. There is an annual amateur theater festival, attended by groups from Turkey and overseas. Denizli has the second-largest number of ranking chess-players in Turkey, after Istanbul. Also, inspired by the unusually high reports of UFO sightings in the region over the years, one of the world's handful of museums dedicated to ufology
Ufology
Ufology is a neologism coined to describe the collective efforts of those who study reports and associated evidence of unidentified flying objects . UFOs have been subject to various investigations over the years by governments, independent groups, and scientists...
was recently opened in Denizli.
Food and drink
The wines of the Pamukkale winery are mostly made from traditional Turkish grapes such as Tokat, Narince and ÇalkarasıÇalkarasi
Çal Karası is a variety of red wine grape from the Çal district of the Denizli Province of western Turkey. It also gives its name to a wine produced from the grape, which is sweet with berry fruit flavours.-History:...
, although now they are planting Shiraz in the area too. They also make a well-known cherry wine. The Denizli kebab is roast lamb served on flat bread. Zafer Gazozu is a locally produced fizzy fruity flavored soda.
Transportation
Denizli Çardak AirportDenizli Çardak Airport
Çardak Airport or Denizli Çardak Airport is an airport located in Çardak, Denizli Province, Turkey.-Airlines and destinations:- Traffic Statistics :Source: DHMI.gov.tr...
is about 45 minutes drive from the city center.
The extension of İzmir-Aydın highway
Highway
A highway is any public road. In American English, the term is common and almost always designates major roads. In British English, the term designates any road open to the public. Any interconnected set of highways can be variously referred to as a "highway system", a "highway network", or a...
to Denizli remains announced since years. Initial infrastructure is laid in Aydın, but the rest is yet to come and the present Aydın-Denizli road, although straight and flat, has a very high level of traffic, especially trucks, with each town along the road possessing its own industrial zone.
Places of interest
- Laodicea ad Lycum - 6 km (4 mi) north of Denizli near the village of EskihisarEskihisar, DenizliEskihisar is a village in Denizli Province, Turkey. The population of the village was 2,063 in the year 2000. The village is 5 kilometers from the city of Denizli. Near the village are the ruins of the ancient city of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The name eski hisar means "old...
. The city was established by SeleucidSeleucid EmpireThe Seleucid Empire was a Greek-Macedonian state that was created out of the eastern conquests of Alexander the Great. At the height of its power, it included central Anatolia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Persia, today's Turkmenistan, Pamir and parts of Pakistan.The Seleucid Empire was a major centre...
King, Antiochus IIAntiochus II TheosAntiochus II Theos was a king of the Hellenistic Seleucid Kingdom who reigned 261 BC – 246 BC). He succeeded his father Antiochus I Soter in the winter of 262–61 BC...
in honor of his wife, Laodice. This trading city was famous for its woolen and cotton cloths. A letter written by a Laodecian says: "I am happy. I have fortune and I am not in need of anything." Following a large earthquake which destroyed the city, what remains of the ancient city are one of the seven churches of Asia MinorAsia MinorAsia Minor is a geographical location at the westernmost protrusion of Asia, also called Anatolia, and corresponds to the western two thirds of the Asian part of Turkey...
, the stadiumStadiumA modern stadium is a place or venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event.)Pausanias noted that for about half a century the only event...
, the amphitheatreAmphitheatreAn amphitheatre is an open-air venue used for entertainment and performances.There are two similar, but distinct, types of structure for which the word "amphitheatre" is used: Ancient Roman amphitheatres were large central performance spaces surrounded by ascending seating, and were commonly used...
and the odeonOdeon (building)Odeon is the name for several ancient Greek and Roman buildings built for singing exercises, musical shows and poetry competitions. They were generally small in size, especially compared with a full-size ancient Greek theatre....
, the cisternCisternA cistern is a waterproof receptacle for holding liquids, usually water. Cisterns are often built to catch and store rainwater. Cisterns are distinguished from wells by their waterproof linings...
and the aqueductAqueductAn aqueduct is a water supply or navigable channel constructed to convey water. In modern engineering, the term is used for any system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels, and other structures used for this purpose....
. (see further Laodicean ChurchLaodicean ChurchThe Laodicean Church was a Christian community established in the ancient city of Laodicea . The church was established in the earliest period of Christianity, and is probably best known for being one of the seven churches addressed by name in the Book of Revelation The Laodicean Church was a...
) - HierapolisHierapolisHierapolis was the ancient Greco-Roman city which sat on top of hot springs located in south western Turkey near Denizli....
and PamukkalePamukkalePamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water...
World Heritage SiteWorld Heritage SiteA UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
s -20 km north of Denizli Pamukkale traventines. The city of Hierapolis was founded by the PergamonPergamonPergamon , or Pergamum, was an ancient Greek city in modern-day Turkey, in Mysia, today located from the Aegean Sea on a promontory on the north side of the river Caicus , that became the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon during the Hellenistic period, under the Attalid dynasty, 281–133 BC...
King Eumenes IIEumenes IIEumenes II of Pergamon was king of Pergamon and a member of the Attalid dynasty. The son of king Attalus I and queen Apollonis, he followed in his father's footsteps and collaborated with the Romans to oppose first Macedonian, then Seleucid expansion towards the Aegean, leading to the defeat of...
in 190 BC. Its closeness to Laodicea led to commercial and military rivalry. The town was built in Greek style. Despite suffering a violent earthquake in 17 AD, it reached its peak during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It was reconstructed during the 2nd and 3rd centuries in stone from quarries in the area, in a Roman style. The town had its most glorious years during the reign of Roman Emperors Septimius SeverusSeptimius SeverusSeptimius Severus , also known as Severus, was Roman Emperor from 193 to 211. Severus was born in Leptis Magna in the province of Africa. As a young man he advanced through the customary succession of offices under the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Severus seized power after the death of...
and CaracallaCaracallaCaracalla , was Roman emperor from 198 to 217. The eldest son of Septimius Severus, he ruled jointly with his younger brother Geta until he murdered the latter in 211...
and became an episcopal seat during the expansion of Christianity. However, as a result of several earthquakes, the most violent of which was in 1354, a great part of the town was destroyed, and its people migrated. - The SeljuqGreat Seljuq EmpireThe Great Seljuq Empire was a medieval Persianate, Turko-Persian Sunni Muslim empire, originating from the Qynyq branch of Oghuz Turks. The Seljuq Empire controlled a vast area stretching from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf...
caravanseraiCaravanseraiA caravanserai, or khan, also known as caravansary, caravansera, or caravansara in English was a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey...
Akhan, which is 6 km from Denizli City on the Ankara highway, and a great part of which still remains, was constructed by Karasungur bin Abdullah in 1253-54 when he was acting as the commander of Ladik. It was recently restored along with the OttomanOttoman EmpireThe Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
konaks nearby and is set to become a visitor's attraction by its own right. - HonazHonazHonaz is a town and a district of Denizli Province in the Aegean Region. It covers an area of...
mountain is a popular picnic excursion for Denizli's people in summer. - The nearby village of Goncalı, which is on the railway line, is another excursion. People come to eat the charcoal-grilled thinly-cut kebab called çöp şiş, preferably with the local süzme yoghurt and a glass of rakıRaki-Alcoholic beverages:*Rakı, an anise-flavored spirit popular in Turkey*Any anise-flavored drink.-Fictional characters:*Raki, a character in the manga/anime series Claymore*Raki, a character in the game Ar tonelico II: Melody of Metafalica...
.
- There is a statue of Atatürk at Çınar Meydanı in the city centre.
- Servergazi turbesi is located close to the Yenişehir neighborhood. The tomb of the 12th century Turkish commander of the SeljukGreat Seljuq EmpireThe Great Seljuq Empire was a medieval Persianate, Turko-Persian Sunni Muslim empire, originating from the Qynyq branch of Oghuz Turks. The Seljuq Empire controlled a vast area stretching from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf...
akinciAkinciAkıncı were irregular light cavalry,scout divisions and advance troops of the Ottoman Empire's military. When the pre-existing Turkish ghazis were incorporated into the Ottoman Empire's military they became known as "akıncı." They were one of the first divisions to face the opposing military and...
unit is located there. Many locals enjoy visiting and making prayers at the tomb especially on weekends. - Teraspark Shopping and Lifestyle Center, Teraspark AVM, located in the yenişehir. Teraspark AVM is biggest shopping center in Denizli.
- Forum Çamlık Shopping and Lifestyle Center, Forum Çamlık AVM, located in the heart of the city centre, Demokrasi Meydanı/Square and surrounded by residential areas, welcomes more than 450,000 people within a catchment area of 20 minutes. The design of Forum Çamlık was inspired by the rich architectural elements that are unique to Province of Denizli. Local stones like Denizli travertine and marble are used for the cladding of many buildings. The visitors will enjoy a detailed artwork, small ponds, squares and rich landscaping features. Given its wide range of shop mix and entertainment facilities, including theaters/cinemas, the centre became a very important destination for visitors in Denizli and neighbouring cities.
Notable natives
- Ahmet Nazif Zorlu - Businessman
- Sezen AksuSezen AksuSezen Aksu is a Turkish pop music singer, song-writer and producer who sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Her nicknames include the "Queen of Turkish Pop" and Minik Serçe ....
- Pop singer - Bayram ŞitBayram SitBayram Şit is a former Turkish sports wrestler and trainer, who won the gold medal in the Featherweight class of Men's Freestyle Wrestling at the 1952 Olympics....
- Olympic medalist in wrestling - Cem Bahtiyar - bassist in the Ankara-based rock group maNgaMaNgaManga is a Turkish nu metal band whose music is mainly a fusion of Anatolian melodies with electronic elements. In 2009, they won both the Best Turkish Act award from MTV Turkey and consequently the Best European Act award from MTV Networks Europe in MTV Europe Music Awards 2009...
. (Born in Denizli 1979) - Hasan GüngörHasan GüngörHasan Güngör , is a former Turkish Olympic medalist sports wrestler in the Middleweight class and a trainer...
- Olympic medalis in wrestling - Nezih Altın - a well known physicist. Currently residing in Adıyaman.
- Özay Gönlüm - Folk singer (1940–2000)
- Rıza Esendemir Istanbul Best FM radio DJ
- Sarp Sanin - Rock singer
- Sıla GençoğluSila GençogluSıla Gençoğlu is a Turkish musician. She usually goes by her first name, 'Sıla'.Sıla was born in Denizli. She worked before as a producer, lyricist and background singer for many Turkish artists, such as Kenan Doğulu and Emel Müftüoğlu. In 2007, she released her debut album Sıla...
- Pop singer - Emrah Alpat - Musician, Rock Guitarist
- Nuri Sözkesen - Industrialist, ufologist and inventor of menopause pyjamas
- Hasan Ali ToptaşHasan Ali ToptasHasan Ali Toptaş is a prominent Turkish novelist and short story writer. He was born in Denizli, Turkey. His first short story book Bir Gülüşün Kimliği was published in 1987...
- Author - Ahmet Karcılılar - Author
- Serkan Genç - Author
- Tuba ÜnsalTuba ÜnsalTuba Ünsal is a Turkish actress and model.-Biography:She was born in Denizli on December 7, 1981. She studied business administration in Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. She was a finalist at the Elite Model look 1998. She worked as a model and appearances in many commercisls before starting...
- Turkish actress and manken - Kerem YılmazerKerem YilmazerMuhittin Kerem Yılmazer was a Turkish actor and singer who was killed in a terrorist car bombing in Istanbul.-External links:...
- Turkish theater and movie actor, voice actor. - Tekin Akmansoy - Theatre and cinema actor.
- Talip Özkan - the greatest 'baglama' virtuoso in the world.
- Suat Sungur - film series player
- Selahattin Pınar - Turkish classical music composer, udi and drum. His works often have a melancholic air.
- Osman SınavOsman SınavOsman Sınav is a Turkish director, producer and screenwriter.-Biography:He studied Art at the İstanbul State Fine Arts Academy and also finished courses there in Textile Design as well as cinema and television. From 1979-1980, he worked as a copywriter, and from 1980-1984 in the Grafika Lintas...
- producer, director, screenwriter, and the advertiser is. - Musa Muslihuddin (a.k.a. Merkez Efendi - Doctor and Sufi Sheikh
- Mazhar Müfit Kansu - Turkish statesman, governor, deputy and manager.
- İbrahim Çallı - Turkish painter
- Erdem Ergüney - Turkish players
- Emin Gürsoy - film series actors
- Bulut Aras - Actor
- Behçet Uz - Ontario Ministry of Health two terms as mayor and later made public and service man, local managers and doctors are.
- Aysel GürelAysel GürelAysel Gürel was a Turkish lyricist and actress. Besides her lyrics, which were performed by singers throughout Turkey, she was known for her outlandish clothing, make up and wigs....
- Turkish songwriter and theater actress. - Yavuz ÖzkanYavuz ÖzkanYavuz Özkan is a Turkish professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Bursaspor in the Süper Lig.-Life and career:...
- Football player - Ali Yalçın - Football player
- Volkan Zeybek - Forensic medicine doctor
- Veli AcarVeli AcarVeli Acar is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a wingback for Konyaspor in the Süper Lig.-Club career:Acar began his career in the amateur leagues with local club Karşıyakaspor. He played for several other Denizli-based clubs, including Denizli Telekomspor, Acipayam Merkezspor, and...
- Football player - Levent KartopLevent KartopLevent Kartop is a Turkish professional soccer player. He is a native of Denizli. He has played for many clubs including Turkcell Super League sides Denizlispor, Ankaragücü and Konyaspor. After Antalyaspor has been promoted to Turkcell Super Lig, he has been transferred to Antalya side...
- Football player - Ali Helvacı - Football player
- Erkan Toydemir - Football player
- Ismail Baydil - Football player
- Ismail Konuk - Football player
- Metin Bayindir - Former football player
- Muharrem Ulas Yazici - Football player
- Serkan Aydemir - Football player
- Ahmet Aydin - Football player
- Alican Soylar - Football player
- Hasan Demir - Football player
- Hüseyin Ates - Football player
- Ibrahim Kongur - Football player
- Ozan Karadag - Football player
- Samet Kartop - Football player
- Semih Özad - Football player
- Sahin Safakoglu - Football player
- Yasin Ayakli - Football player
- Bilal Niyaz - Football player
- Gökay IravulGökay IravulGökay Iravul is a Turkish professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig.-Early life and career:...
- Football player - Recep Niyaz - Football player
- Hasan Ali Açar - Football player
- Ugur Aktas - Football player
- Levent Turan - Football player
- Kadir Söylemez - Football player
Twin towns — sister cities
Denizli is twinnedTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
with: Bursa, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
Tokat
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, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
Almelo
Almelo
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, Netherlands
Netherlands
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Pavlodar
Pavlodar
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, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
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Tbilisi
Tbilisi
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, Georgia
Georgia (country)
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Brăila
Braila
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, Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
Samara
Samara, Russia
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, Russia
Russia
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Rhodes
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, Greece
Greece
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Betzdorf
Betzdorf, Germany
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, Germany
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Mogilev
Mogilev
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, Belarus
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Larissa
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, Greece
Greece
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Lodz
Lódz
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, Poland
Poland
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See also
- Denizli ProvinceDenizli ProvinceDenizli Province is a province of Turkey in Western Anatolia, on high ground above the Aegean coast. Neighbouring provinces are Uşak to the north, Burdur, Isparta, Afyon to the east, Aydın, Manisa to the west and Muğla to the south. It is located between the coordinates 28° 30’ and 29° 30’ E and...
- PamukkalePamukkalePamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water...
- Pamukkale UniversityPamukkale UniversityPamukkale University , founded in 1992 in Denizli in the Denizli Province of Turkey, is a young institution which has been developing rapidly with 30,000 students and 1400 academicians.- Faculty of Education :* Teaching social fields...
- Anatolian TigersAnatolian TigersAnatolian Tigers is a term internationally used in the context of the Turkish economy to refer to and to explain the phenomenon of a number of cities in Turkey which have displayed impressive growth records since the 1980s, as well as to a defined new breed of entrepreneurs rising in prominence...
- Karahayıt
- AkköyAkköyAkköy is a town and a district of Denizli Province in the inner Aegean region of Turkey. A large part of the borders of Akköy district are surrounded by the area of the province seat Denizli's central district, to the south and to the east, and Akköy itself was a township depending Denizli...
- SarayköySarayköySarayköy is a town and district of Denizli Province in Turkey, 20 km west of the city of Denizli, on a plain between mountains and watered by Büyük Menderes River...
- BuldanBuldanBuldan is a town and a district of Denizli Province in the inner Aegean Region of Turkey. Buldan district area neighbors to the east and the south three other districts of the same province, namely Güney, Akköy and Sarayköy, and to the west by the areas of three districts of Aydın Province,...
- HierapolisHierapolisHierapolis was the ancient Greco-Roman city which sat on top of hot springs located in south western Turkey near Denizli....
- Laodiceia
- River Menderes
- travertines