Assos

Assos has a cultural heritage started by Aristotle, carried on by Saint Paul and the Ottomans and continued in the modern age, creating a destination with a mixture of the classical and modern.

This historical site sits on the Aegean in the north-west of Turkey, allowing for breathtaking views across the waters from its peaks and close to some of our Turkey property.

Founded by Greek colonists from the nearby island of Lesbos in the 8^th century BC, the original name of Assos is still more popular amongst tourists than its official appellation of Behramkale.

The Greeks built the Temple of Athena in 530 BC and this is still visible today. It is popular with tourists who like to go for moonlight walks through the ruins or to watch the sun rise over the Aegean.

Such is the significance of the temple that it is being restored to the former glory of the Troad city, which reached its zenith under the rule of Hermias of Atarneus.

A former student of Plato, the influence that the great philosopher had on the Classical ruler is evident in the encouragement he gave to other philosophers to come settle in the city.

Whether it was this act, or the prospect of marrying King Hermias' niece, the renowned philosopher Aristotle arrived in 348 BC and left with Pythia as his bride for Lesbos in 345 BC.

He did well to leave, for Assos' golden age soon ended with the Persian invasion that swept away Greek rule from Anatolia's coast. However, Alexander the Great pushed through and restored Greek rule, but Assos never regained its fame and was ruled by nearby Pergamon.

Yet this did not mark the end of all interest in Assos. Saint Paul visited in AD 53 to 57 as he journeyed to visit Lesbos, though by this point the city had become a village. However, this association means that Assos is still popular with modern pilgrims who wish to trace the route the Apostle took.

Today, visitors and Turkey property owners can still see the remains of the later Ottoman legacy in the region. On the terraces up to the Greek acropolis, one can see an agora (the ancient Greek marketplace), a gymnasium and a theatre, but at the top, the 14^th century mosque, bridge and fortress of Sultan Murat I are all visible.

However, Assos' cultural development has not ended and today it is still known for its bohemian art community as well as its picturesque inns and shops that straddle the Gulf of Edremit, no doubt something that King Hermias would be proud of.

Visitors can reach Assos by ferry from Lesbos to Ayvalık then on via bus, or take a bus from Canakkale airport. Otherwise, tourists are advised to change at Ayvacık (rather than Ayvalik) and take a minibus to Assos.

Once in Assos, other nearby sites such as the village of Gulpiar and its ancient city of Chryse with its Greek temple of Apollon Smintheus, or Babakale and its cliff-top scenic houses, also offer much more for tourists to see in the area. Both these destinations are within a short journey of Assos. Turkey property owners should experience first hand these stunning ancient sites and recommend places for holiday makers to explore when renting their Turkey property.