Travel It’s impossible tomiss Kuşadasi. Agiant hillside sign spells out the city’s name in large, white letters. It reminded us of the famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. A bronze statue overlooks the sign and colourful buildings of this city of 100,000 people on Turkey’sWest Coast. “It’s a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,” said our guide Dilek. “He founded the Republic of Turkey. Atatürk is our national hero, just like GeorgeWashington is to the United States.” According to Dilek, no one had a family name during the Ottoman era (14th to early 20th century). “Atatürk allowed people to have last names. He also changed the script that we use from Arabic to Latin. Thanks to him, women like me can work.” The panoramic view from Atatürk Hill encompasses the city, its port, the peacock-blue Aegean Sea and the island of Güvercinada, joined to the city centre by a causeway. “Kuşadasi’s name comes from this island,” said Dilek. From the Aegean, Güvercinada looks like a bird’s head. The Turkish wordkuş means “bird” and the word ada means “island.” Some people call it Pigeon Island. An old Byzantine castle dominates Güvercinada. Visitors can explore the museum inside the castle and enjoy splendid views of Kuşadasi. Dilek explained that Kuşadasi has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters (an average high of 13.5 degrees C in January). Its long, hot summers account for the popularity of the resort’s many beaches. CAPTIVATING KUŞADASI Experience this Turkish resort’s superb climate, carpets, cuisine and UNESCO city UNESCO city Story and photos by Barb & Ron Kroll 18 | www.snowbirds.org
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