Birgi

Birgi draws attention with its rich culture and natural beauties. Located 9 km from the center, Birgi is known as the cultural and faith tourism capital of the district. Historic town of Birgi takes place in UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. There are still remains of the many civilisations that Birgi hosted, such as many tombs, madrasa, mosques, fountains, baths, libraries, masjid and residences which reflect the architectural and cultural features of the Period of the Anatolian Beyliks (Principalities) and the Ottoman Empire, as well as houses dated to the 18th century and the following centuries. Birgi presents one of the precious examples of traditional housing texture dated to the 18th century. Ulu Cami, the Great Mosque of Birgi, which dominates the traditional urban layout, was completed in 1312 on the order of Mehmed Bey, the founder of Aydınoğlu Sultanate. It has a basilical plan with five aisles extending perpendicular to the mihrab wall, and the bay before the mihrab is covered with a dome. Built by a leather merchant in the eighteenth century, Çakırağa Mansion is one of the prominent buildings reflecting the architectural and ornamental style particular to the Aegean region in that period.