Menemen
General Information
District: Izmir, State: Aegean Region, Turkey
Area: 665 km²
Languages Spoken: Turkish
Long Distance Code: (+90) 0232
Best Time to Visit: May to August
International Access: Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB)Description
Etymology There are different accounts related to the historical origin of the name "Menemen". The most commonly encountered in the explanation based on the ancient Greek word "menemenos" or "menemenus" which meant "flood" or "overflow". In fact, in the absence of modern dams and other means of waterflow supervision, Gediz River used to cause serious and frequent damages on the human settlements of the region until very recent times. The river was nicknamed "Gediz the Sorceress" (Cadi Gediz). On the other hand, some researchers discuss the possibility of a Luwian origin in connection with the name. In any case, it is obvious, particularly in the light of recent discoveries made at the premises -of Ege Fertilizer (Ege Gübre; the site being termed in the literature under the name of the industrial installations), at Araptepe and more particularly at Panaztepe and Menemen's Larissa, that settlement in the region extends far back in prehistoric times, at least until the late Neolithic and early Chalcolithic. The name of the Thessaloniki borough of Menemeni is an offshoot of Anatolian Menemen's name. The Greek language rendering of the city's name is Μενεμένη. Sights of interest Historical vestiges of Menemen occupy a small area in the old neighborhood of the town, marked by the recently restored Tashan (literally the stone caravanserai) whose precise date of construction is unknown but is thought to have been built end-16th or early-17th century. A covered bazaar (bedesten) faces Tashan and is still awaiting restoration. A few shrines-tombs in the Turkish style dating from mid-Ottoman centuries near Tashan, two old mosques, a number of old houses, as well as the abandoned remains of what is likely to have been the town synagogue complete the picture. In nearby Hidirtepe, slightly outside the popular quarter of Menemen characterized by low single-storeyed houses with gardens, typical for the climate of the plain, is another Ottoman shrine as well as the memorial area dedicated to Mustafa Fehmi Kubilay in a military zone open to visitors and occupying the summit of the hill, with tombs and a renowned high statue.Location
Menemen is a district of İzmir Province in Turkey as well as the district's central town. The district extends on a fertile plain formed by the alluvial soil carried by the Gediz River. Menemen's district area neighbors the following district areas from east to west; Aliaga and Foca to the north and Bornova, Karsiyaka and Cigli to the south, these last two being among İzmir's metropolitan districts. Menemen district also has a 27 km (17 mi) long coastline in the west and neighbors Manisa Province to the east. The town of Menemen is located at a distance of 35 km (22 mi) from İzmir center (Konak Square).Climate
İzmir has a typical Mediterranean climate which is characterized by long, hot and dry summers; and mild to cool, rainy winters. The total precipitation for İzmir averages 706 mm (27.8 inches) per year; however, 77% of that falls during November through Ma