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7 places to visit in the Beydağ district of Izmir: Beydağ Dam, Beydağ Historic Mosque and Çamlık Picnic Area. Plan your trip to Beydağ with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The average elevation of the district centre is 216 metres above sea level.

History

Beydağ came under the rule first of the Aydınoğulları and then of the Ottomans. The district was under Greek occupation from 23 June 1919 to 2 September 1922. In 1926 its name was changed from Balyambolu to Beydağ. It became a district when it was separated from Ödemiş by Law No. 3392, which entered into force on 4 July 1987.

Geography

Beydağ is under the influence of a Mediterranean climate.

Economy

The district’s livelihood is agriculture and livestock farming. The most important products are figs, chestnuts and olives. Chestnuts produced in Beydağ are of exceptionally high quality. Dairy and beef cattle farming is developing rapidly.

History and Culture

Beydağ was under Greek occupation between 23 June 1919 and 2 September 1922. The district’s name was changed from Balyambolu to Beydağ in 1926. Beydağ became a district when it was separated from Ödemiş by Law No. 3392, which entered into force on 4 July 1987. The earliest known name of Beydağ is Palaipolis. In 1671, Evliya Çelebi passed through Balyambolu and recorded his observations.

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Places to Visit in Beydağ

  • 1 Religious
  • 6 Nature
Nature

Beydağ Dam

Built on the Küçük Menderes River for irrigation and energy production, Beydağ Dam has picnic areas around the reservoir and fishing opportunities.

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Religious

Beydağ Historic Mosque

A historic mosque built in the Ottoman period, notable for its stonework and wooden minbar. It is one of the oldest structures in the district centre.

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Nature

Çamlık Picnic Area

A picnic area in the pine forests south of Beydağ, with walking trails and picnic tables, making it an ideal nature retreat for families.

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Nature

Beydağ–Adaküre walking route

A 2.5 km walking route on an asphalt road, of easy difficulty.

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Nature

Beydağ–Çamlık walking route

A 5.5 km walking route on an asphalt road, of easy difficulty.

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Nature

Beydağ–Erikli–Çomaklar walking route

A 5.8 km walking route on an asphalt road, of easy difficulty.

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Nature

Beydağ–Yeniyurt–Tabaklar walking route

A 4 km walking route on an asphalt road, of easy difficulty.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While you are in Beydağ, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.

  • Ephesus Ancient City — An ancient city in Selçuk that was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Its most important structures are the 2nd-century Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre seating 25,000, Curetes Street and the Terraced Houses with their frescoes and mosaics.
  • Pergamon Acropolis (Bergama) — Capital of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its theatre on a steep slope, the Temple of Trajan and the foundation of the Altar of Zeus, which is now displayed in Berlin.
  • Temple of Artemis — The remains of the temple, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in Selçuk; only a single column still stands today.
  • House of the Virgin Mary — On Mount Bülbül near Selçuk, a house believed in Christian tradition to be where Mary spent her last years; identified in 1891, it is an important pilgrimage site that many popes have visited.
  • Izmir Clock Tower — A 25-metre tower in Konak Square, built in 1901 for the 25th anniversary of Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne; it is the symbol of the city.
  • Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Caravanserai — A historic bazaar that grew from the 17th century onwards as the shoreline was filled in; with its caravanserais, mosques, synagogues and narrow lanes it is the heart of the city.

Practical Information for Visiting Beydağ

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Beydağ

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  • Beydağ Simit Dürüm

    Beydağ Simit Dürüm was registered as a geographical indication on 4 August 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1437). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Beydağ Municipality.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Prepared by slowly cooking and pounding wheat and meat together, keşkek is the traditional dish of wedding and bayram tables in Beydağ.

  • Gözleme (stuffed flatbread)

    Thin dough filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat and cooked on a griddle. Gözleme is a traditional treat in Beydağ's villages.

  • Beydağ chestnuts

    Chestnuts grown in the district, described in the source as being of exceptionally high quality; they are among the district's important products.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Beydağ

  • Village Life and Farming Culture

    Beydağ is one of the districts that maintains traditional Aegean village life. Olive growing, viticulture and livestock farming culture have been passed down through generations.

Local Products

  • Beydağ Olive Oil — Natural olive oil made from olives grown on the fertile soils of the Küçük Menderes Plain, and the district's main agricultural product.
  • Beydağ Tobacco — Tobacco was once Beydağ's most important source of income. Although production has declined, it still continues in some villages.

Economy

Beydağ's economy is based on agriculture and livestock. Olives, cotton, tobacco and cereals are the main agricultural products. Irrigation has improved thanks to Beydağ Dam.

How to Get to Beydağ

Beydağ is 120 km from İzmir. Minibus and bus services run via Ödemiş.

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Beydağ: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Beydağ?

The highlights of Beydağ are 7 places: Beydağ Dam, Beydağ Historic Mosque, Çamlık Picnic Area, Beydağ–Adaküre walking route, Beydağ–Çamlık walking route, Beydağ–Erikli–Çomaklar walking route and Beydağ–Yeniyurt–Tabaklar walking route.

What is there to eat in Beydağ?

Beydağ Simit Dürüm, Keşkek, Gözleme and Beydağ chestnuts are the flavours to look out for on Beydağ's tables.

What is Beydağ famous for?

Beydağ is known for Beydağ Olive Oil and its village life and farming culture. Natural olive oil made from olives grown on the fertile soils of the Küçük Menderes Plain is the district's main agricultural product.

How do I get to Beydağ?

Beydağ is 120 km from İzmir. Minibus and bus services run via Ödemiş.

How much time should I allow for a trip to Beydağ?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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