Ildırı / Ancient Erythrai

The ancient city of Erythrai was an important Ionian city on the east coast of the Aegean Sea, northeast of Çeşme. Çeşme, formerly known as Cyssus, was the port city for Erythrai. The area now known as Ildırı is 22 kilometers from the center of Çeşme. It is believed that this city, which dates back to the Bronze Age, got its name from the red color of its soil. This town, where trade is prominent, was also famous for the grinding stones it once produced and exported. Excavations in this area were started by Dist. Prof. Ekrem Akurgal in 1964. The theater, discovered during these excavations and dated to the 3rd century BCE, is carved into the hillside. The aqueducts to the south are dated to the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) period. During the excavations, the Temple of Athena was unearthed, dated to the 7th century BCE and mentioned by Pausanias. The temple was damaged in 540 BCE. It is known that it was renewed around 530 BCE. Remains of villas and settlement walls from Hellenistic and Roman times are still visible. In order to raise awareness of the archeological site among locals and to stimulate agrotourism, the Ildırı Cultural and Art Festival has recently been held at the end of August in Ancient City of Erythrai. The festival attracts people of all ages with music, theater, seminars and workshops. Products and handicrafts made by locals in their homes without any technical tools are exhibited and sold during this festival.