The city of Mugla is the capital of an administrative district that includes several of the most important tourist centres in Turkey. However, it is rarely visited by holidaymakers and travellers. The reason for this is most likely due to the fact that most tourists most often identify holidays with the sea. But despite this, you should still take a day to visit Mugla. Guests of the city who come here for a couple of days and stay in one of the local hotels, which are located in the center, will be able to take walks around the city and the surrounding area and get a lot of impressions.
Mugla is spread out in an amazingly beautiful valley surrounded by the mountains Homursuz, Karadag and Masa. It extends as far as the slopes of Mount Asar (Hisar). Mugla is centre of the province, which is famous for its forests and figs. The city has been Muslim has been Muslim since the beginning of the 9th century - first the famous Baghdad caliph Harun Al Rashid, who sent his troops here, and then the Seljuks. Of course, there are there are some old Turkish mansions here.
This picturesque city with its beautiful bazaar and narrow alleys has a population of approximately 36,000 people. The white houses, situated in the old neighbourhoods are characterised by their large overhanging roofs. They are considered the most beautiful in Turkey.
A large number of outstanding examples of civil architecture are located in the city centre. To see them, it is better to go to the Arasta neighbourhood. Arasta has a large number of clog makers' shops, furriers' shops, inns and fountains in the squares. The neighbourhood seems to be frozen at the turn of the twentieth century. Here you can find market stalls and shops selling all sorts of souvenirs. If you are hungry, you can visit a locanta (local inn). On the menu you can find dishes familiar to the area, such as keshkek or dosh-dolmasy - stuffed brisket in sour sauce. Be sure to take the opportunity to and try them. Also, don't forget the dessert.
The central square is traditionally home to the Ataturk Monument. There are also still still functioning baths from the 13th century and the main mosque from the 14th century.
The Ulu Jamii Mosque is the oldest structure in the entire city. In 1344, Ulu Jamii was founded by Ibrahim Bey Menteseoglu. Throughout its history, the mosque has been many times throughout its history.
Like many mosques of the time, it has a large square interior hall with dozens of columns supporting bare vaults. The only hint of luxury are the stalactites adorning its central light hole. At the mihrab (a prayer niche in the wall of a mosque), measured rows of columns (seven rows of six columns each) radiate around a strange wooden dome with two windows.
Ulu Jamii is the most famous and one of the oldest mosques in Turkey. It has an original design, utilising both Byzantine and more Byzantine architecture in its construction. Byzantine as well as older architectural styles in its construction. The mosque is attractive with its graceful structure and the fine stone carvings surrounding the arched doors.
The building of the old prison, behind the structure housing the court, now houses a Museum. Most of the displays in the pavilion consist of finds recovered from the ancient city of Stratonikia during archaeological archaeological excavations. Here you can see the fossilised remains of prehistoric plants and animals. They were first discovered in Teruel in Spain, which is why all the subsequent ones are called Teruelian. In the village of Ozluce itself, the so-called Turolian Park is organized. Not to be overlooked is the ethnographic section, which will introduce you to traditional household items household items and folk costumes typical of the local people.
The houses in Mugla have become very famous, they have even started to create models to sell to interested tourists. This tradition was founded by architect Ertuğrul Aladağ about four years ago. The first model of a Mughlian house in his design is currently on display at the Ford Lauderdahl Museum in the USA. The architect organised workshops, continuing his endeavour, and now every tourist can buy a nice little model of a Mughlian house.
If you manage to make it to Mughla on Thursday, don't miss the chance to wander around the in the street bazaar. Here, along with lots of cheap fruit and vegetables, they sell traditional handicrafts: amazing needle and crochet lace, homespun fabrics and sewn items, souvenirs and carpets.
