A Museum In A Castle Çeşme Castle is one of the most significant castles in western Anatolia that still stands today. It was constructed in the 15th century by Genoese traders to ensure the safety of trade between Çeşme and Çamlı Island. During the reign of Sultan Beyazıt II, it was converted into an Ottoman Castle by enlarging it with additional buildings and making repairs in 1508. The castle has a rectangular plan and is situated on a rocky slope. It is surrounded by a ditch on three sides and the sea to its west. The castle's main entrance is situated on the south side. It was inhabited until the 19th century, after which it was abandoned. In 1965, the castle was opened to the public as the first gun museum, displaying guns brought from the Istanbul Topkapı Palace Museum. Since some arrangements were made in 1984, it has continued to serve as the Çeşme Archeology Museum. The museum displays findings from the Bronze Age Bağlararası settlement in the center of Çeşme and from the ancient city of Çeşme-Erythrai. Additionally, the museum features a captivating depiction of the Ottoman-Russian naval war in 1770. The hall showcasing amphoras unearthed from the sea is particularly noteworthy for its insight into ancient maritime trade. The Crimson City “Erythrai̇” Erythrai, located in Ildırı and 22 kilometers away from Çeşme, was named after the soil color of the region, which was red. Another assumption is that it was named after the first founder, 'Red' Erythothos, the son of Cretan Rhadamanthes. The city was renowned for producing millstones. Excavations in the city have revealed the Temple of Athena, the theatre, the mausoleum (Heroon), Hellenistic and Roman villas, and settlement walls. Wine Production in Bağlararası Excavations at Bağlararası have revealed that approximately 3700 years ago, a massive earthquake occurred, causing the settlement to collapse and interrupting life. The excavations also uncovered the oldest winery building in Anatolia from the Bronze Age, which includes a mechanism for resting and storing the wine produced. While You Are Here… The area boasts several noteworthy sites, including the ancient city of Erythrai in Ildırı, the Bronze Age settlement in Bağlararası, and the fountains of Çeşme. Additionally, there are several old structures that provide evidence of the coexistence of Turkish and Greek people during the Ottoman period. Please note that the west and south fronts of Umurbey Tower in Çesme Museum, as well as the Ottoman-Russian Naval War Show Hall and Stone Works Hall, are temporarily closed for security reasons due to ongoing restitution and restoration projects
ÇEŞME MUSEUM
