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Nazilli
Nazilli
Nazilli
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Nazilli is municipality and district of Aydın Province, Turkey.[2] Its area is 691 km2,[3] and its population is 162,737 (2022).[1] It is the second-largest city in Aydın Province, after the city of Aydın. It is 47 km (29 mi) east of Aydın, on the road to Denizli.

Key Information

Etymology

[edit]

Nazilli is a Turkish name that has somehow evolved from the former (also Turkish) name of Pazarköy (marketplace). According to legend, the son of Aydın's governor in the Ottoman period, fell in love with a young woman from Pazarköy but was rejected by the girl's father. The young man later named the town Nazlı Ili (Nazlı's Home) after his loved one. The 17th century traveller Evliya Çelebi held that the town was named for the capriciousness ("naz") of the local women in this wealthy town. Or it could have been the name of a family of Turkomans that settled here.

Nazilli was still called Nazli by the British as of 1920.[4]

History

[edit]
Coins from the ancient city of Harpasa (Ancient Greek: Ἅρπασα), within the borders of the Esenköy village of Aydın-Nazilli district.

These people practiced weaving and thus planted cotton in the area for this purpose. The Oghuz Turks were succeeded by the Anatolian beyliks of Menteşe (in 1280) and then Aydinids.

In 1390 Bayezid I brought the area into the Ottoman Empire. At this time, the town comprised two villages, Cuma Yeri (Friday Square) and Pazarköy (Weekday Market). The town was only later referred to as Nazliköy. In 1402 Timur defeated Bayezid at the Battle of Ankara and took control of the Aegean region, expelling the Knights Hospitaller and giving the Nazilli area back to the Aydinid family. It was quickly recovered for the Ottomans by Sultan Murad II.

From 1867 until 1922, Nazilli was part of the Aidin Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire. During the Turkish War of Independence, Nazilli was occupied by the Greek Army and came under Turkish control on September 5, 1922.

Geography

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Nazilli stands on the Menderes River and much of the district is in the Menderes valley, full of citrus trees, olives and figs as well as cotton, wheat and other crops.

Climate

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Climate data for Nazilli (1991–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 12.6
(54.7) 		14.6
(58.3) 		18.4
(65.1) 		23.2
(73.8) 		28.8
(83.8) 		33.8
(92.8) 		37.0
(98.6) 		37.0
(98.6) 		32.6
(90.7) 		26.6
(79.9) 		19.4
(66.9) 		13.9
(57.0) 		24.9
(76.8)
Daily mean °C (°F) 7.2
(45.0) 		8.6
(47.5) 		11.6
(52.9) 		15.7
(60.3) 		21.0
(69.8) 		26.1
(79.0) 		29.1
(84.4) 		28.6
(83.5) 		23.9
(75.0) 		18.6
(65.5) 		12.4
(54.3) 		8.4
(47.1) 		17.7
(63.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 3.0
(37.4) 		4.0
(39.2) 		5.9
(42.6) 		9.3
(48.7) 		13.8
(56.8) 		18.3
(64.9) 		21.3
(70.3) 		21.2
(70.2) 		16.5
(61.7) 		12.3
(54.1) 		7.3
(45.1) 		4.5
(40.1) 		11.5
(52.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 104.77
(4.12) 		85.18
(3.35) 		66.61
(2.62) 		51.98
(2.05) 		34.84
(1.37) 		16.3
(0.64) 		5.53
(0.22) 		7.63
(0.30) 		12.56
(0.49) 		41.46
(1.63) 		73.77
(2.90) 		102.36
(4.03) 		602.99
(23.74)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 8.9 7.5 6.8 6.1 5.1 2.4 2.0 1.6 2.5 3.9 6.0 9.1 61.9
Average relative humidity (%) 72.1 68.6 65.0 61.5 54.8 46.6 44.0 48.2 53.5 61.8 69.9 74.6 60.0
Source: NOAA[5]

Composition

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There are 82 neighbourhoods in Nazilli District:[6]

Economy

[edit]
A westbound regional train to Söke

Historically, Nazilli was a producer of lignite. As of 1914, they were producing large quantities which were managed by a company from the United States. The lignite, in 1920, was described as being "deplorably bad," despite demand for it to be exported to Smyrna.[4] Just north of Nazilli, in 1920, were reported emery mines, too.[7] Nazilli has also been renowned for being an important dried fig producer towns of Anatolia. Petros Mengos, a Greek from Kokluca village in Smyrna, who volunteered to fight in the Greek Revolution stated that "The best figs exported from Smyrna are brought on camels, from a province sixty miles interior, called Naslée, or in Greek Ilioupolis."[8]

Points of Interest

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  • Arpaz Castle, also known as Arpaz Beyler Mansion.

Contemporary Nazilli

[edit]

Nazilli today has a population of 156,748 (according to the 2018 census).

The Basmane-Nazilli Regional railway service runs between İzmir and Nazilli.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nazilli

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nazilli is a and district in , in the Aegean Region of western , serving as the second-largest urban center in the province after city. With a of 162,041 as of , it covers an area of 682.5 km² and is located approximately 47 km east of , along the strategic Aydın-Denizli highway in the fertile Büyük Menderes Valley at an elevation of 75-80 meters above . One of the oldest settlements in the Aegean Region, Nazilli's history traces back to ancient Luwian and Lydian eras, when it was known as a called Mastavra, before successive occupations by in 546 BC, Macedonians in 334 BC, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans; it was fully Turkified following the Seljuk victory at Myriokephalon in 1176. The district's name is believed to derive from the 17th-century Ottoman description of its "coy" (nazlı in Turkish) women, renowned for their beauty, or possibly from the Nazlu clan that settled there. Economically, Nazilli thrives on , leveraging the nutrient-rich alluvial soils of the Menderes plain to produce key exports such as high-quality dried figs (Aydın İnciri), cotton, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons; cotton cultivation, in particular, has historical roots dating to Seljuk times when weaving guilds flourished in the area. The region also supports olive oil production and traditional sweets like frozen halvah, contributing to fairs and . Industrially, the district is notable for the Sümerbank Nazilli Textile Factory, established in 1937 as part of Turkey's early Republican industrialization efforts, which specialized in cotton printing (chintz) and served as a social engineering hub by providing worker housing, education, and healthcare to foster modern urban development and economic self-sufficiency. Surrounded by mountains such as Madran Dağı (1,792 m) and Karıncalı Dağı (1,705 m), Nazilli features a Mediterranean climate ideal for its agrarian economy, while its cultural landscape includes parks, historical sites like the Arpaz Tower, and vibrant markets that reflect its blend of ancient heritage and contemporary life.

Etymology and History

Etymology

The name Nazilli is believed to originate from local legends tied to the Ottoman period. One prominent tale recounts that the son of the Ottoman governor of Aydın fell in love with a young woman named Nazlı from the nearby village of Pazarköy, but her father rejected the proposal due to the governor's status; heartbroken, the son reportedly named the area "Nazlı İli," meaning "Nazlı's Home" or "Land of Nazlı," which evolved into Nazilli over time. An alternative legend, recorded by the 17th-century Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi, attributes the name to the "naz" (capriciousness or coquettishness) of the prosperous town's women, suggesting the moniker reflected their reputed charm and demeanor. Historically, the settlement was originally known as Pazarköy, meaning "market village" in Turkish, highlighting its role as a commercial hub. The transition to "Nazlı" or "Nazli" occurred gradually during the Ottoman era, with the name gaining prominence by the early 19th century as the area developed; records indicate it was officially recognized as Nazilli around 1831 when it became an administrative center. During the Allied occupation following World War I, British forces referred to the town as Nazli in 1920, reflecting its established Ottoman-era nomenclature at that time. Following the Turkish War of Independence and the town's liberation in 1922, the name formalized as Nazilli, incorporating the Turkish suffix "-li" to denote its status as a district in the newly established Republic of Turkey, aligning with broader administrative reforms. The area may trace its roots to the ancient Carian city of Harpasa, a precursor settlement located nearby.

Historical Overview

The region encompassing modern Nazilli exhibits evidence of ancient habitation, notably through the settlement of Harpasa located within the boundaries of Esenköy village, as well as the ancient city of Mastaura, located about 3 km north of the modern town and founded during the Lydian period. Archaeological discoveries, including coins and pottery fragments, attest to Harpasa's existence as a minor urban center dating to the 6th century BCE during the Archaic period, when it formed part of the broader Carian cultural landscape under successive influences from Lydian, Persian, and later Hellenistic rulers. Following the Roman conquest in the 2nd century BCE and subsequent Byzantine rule from the 4th century CE, the area transitioned into a period of Christian episcopal activity, with Harpasa serving as one such center amid declining local economies centered on Istanbul. The arrival of Oghuz Turkic tribes after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 marked the onset of Turkic settlement, enhancing agricultural pursuits like cotton cultivation and weaving. By 1280, the region fell under the control of the Menteşe Beylik, followed by the Aydinids, until Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I incorporated it into the empire in 1390; this control was briefly interrupted by Timur's invasion in 1402 but restored by the Ottomans under Mehmed I around 1413, with final incorporation in 1425 under Murad II. During the Ottoman era, Nazilli functioned as a modest town within the Sanjak of Aydın, evolving into one of the key interior marketplaces alongside Aidin and Denizli, supporting trade in local produce such as cotton and grains. From 1867 to 1922, it was administratively part of the , where economic vitality stemmed from its role in regional commerce and textile production. In the modern period, Nazilli endured Greek occupation starting on June 3, 1919, during the , before its liberation by Turkish forces on September 5, 1922. The early Republican era ushered in state-led industrialization, exemplified by the establishment of the Sümerbank Nazilli Basma Fabrikası in 1937, recognized as Turkey's inaugural state-owned cotton printing factory and a cornerstone of national textile development. Local etymological legends, linking the name to ancient figures like Nyssa, persist as folklore shaping community identity.

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

Nazilli is located in Aydın Province within the Aegean Region of western Turkey, serving as the province's second-largest district. It lies approximately 47 km east of the city of Aydın, positioned along the fertile valley of the Büyük Menderes River, which traverses the region from east to west. The district's central coordinates are approximately 37°55′N 28°19′E, placing it in a strategic position amid the province's inland topography. The district encompasses an area of 664 km², characterized by expansive plains in the Büyük Menderes Basin that widen significantly in Nazilli, extending over 10 km in a north-to-east direction. These low-lying plains, situated 75-80 meters , form the core of the district's , with the lowest elevations found in the Çerkez between the Akçay River and the Büyük Menderes. Surrounding the central valley are modest hills and higher mountains such as Madran Dağı (1,792 m) and Karıncalı Dağı (1,705 m). This varied terrain, including the river valley and adjacent elevations, contributes to the district's overall landscape, while its position places it roughly 80-100 km inland from the Aegean Sea coast to the west. The Büyük Menderes River is integral to Nazilli's topography, providing essential irrigation for the fertile valley soils that support diverse agriculture. Historically, the river has facilitated trade routes across the basin, enabling the transport of agricultural goods and contributing to the area's economic connectivity.

Climate

Nazilli features a hot-summer Mediterranean climate under the Köppen classification (Csa), defined by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This regime is typical of the Aegean region in western Turkey, where seasonal contrasts drive distinct weather patterns, with prolonged sunshine in summer and increased cloud cover during the rainy season. Based on 1991–2020 climate normals from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, annual precipitation averages approximately 587 mm, concentrated primarily in winter (283 mm from to February), while summer receives just 30 mm from June to August. Average summer highs reach about 35°C in July and August, with winter lows around 5°C in January; these extremes underscore the region's thermal variability, moderated slightly by its position in the Büyük Menderes Valley. Overall annual mean temperatures hover near 17°C, supporting a frost-free growing period of approximately 287 days. The climate's dry summers and mild winters enhance suitability for certain agriculture, particularly figs and olives, which benefit from the low humidity and ample winter moisture for root development. However, environmental risks include occasional flooding from the Büyük Menderes River during intense winter precipitation events, which can affect low-lying areas despite mitigation efforts in the basin's flood management plan.

Demographics and Society

Nazilli's population has experienced significant growth since the early 20th century, transitioning from a modest Ottoman-era marketplace town to a major district center in Aydın Province. During the Ottoman period, Nazilli served primarily as a local market hub with a small resident population, estimated in the low thousands based on its status as comprising just two villages before its incorporation into the empire in 1390. The Turkish War of Independence and subsequent Greco-Turkish population exchange in 1923 brought an influx of Turkish refugees to the region, boosting local demographics as displaced populations resettled in western Anatolia following the Greek occupation of Nazilli until September 1922. This post-1922 migration laid the foundation for accelerated expansion, particularly after the establishment of the Sümerbank Nazilli Textile Factory in 1937, which drew rural migrants seeking industrial employment and contributed to rapid urbanization in Aydın Province overall. Census data reflects this trajectory, with the district's population reaching 140,922 in 2007 under the Adrese Dayalı Nüfus Kayıt Sistemi (Address-Based Population Registration System), while the central municipality totaled 103,759. By 2018, the district population had grown to 156,748, driven by continued from surrounding rural areas amid post-industrialization opportunities in textiles and agriculture. The 2022 TÜİK data recorded a district total of 162,737, marking a peak before a slight decline to 162,074 in 2023 and 162,041 in 2024, influenced by national trends in birth rates and out-migration to larger cities. These figures highlight a historical average annual growth rate of about 1.5% from 2007 to 2022, though recent years show stabilization near 0% to -0.4%.
YearDistrict PopulationCentral Municipality (approx.)Annual Growth Rate (approx.)
2007140,922103,759-
2018156,748-1.1%
2022162,737-0.8%
2023162,074--0.4%
2024162,041--0.02%
Urban concentration remains pronounced, with approximately 77% of the district's residents in the central municipality as of 2022, compared to dispersed rural neighborhoods, reflecting ongoing shifts from agriculture to urban services and industry. Demographic factors mirror broader Turkish patterns, including an aging population with a national median age of approximately 34.4 years in 2024, up from 33.2 for males and 34.7 for females in 2023, due to declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy. In Nazilli, this is evident in a rising proportion of residents over 65, contributing to moderated growth projections of 1-2% annually through 2025 if migration stabilizes, though recent data suggests potential for flatter trends without renewed rural influxes.

Ethnic and Neighborhood Composition

Nazilli's population is predominantly ethnic Turkish, encompassing both Sunni and Alevi communities that form the core of local social structure. Alevi populations are present in specific neighborhoods, such as Dallıca, reflecting broader patterns of Alevi settlement in Aydın Province. Historically, before the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the region hosted a notable Greek Orthodox community; for instance, in 1919, around 7,000 Greeks from nearby areas gathered in Nazilli amid regional conflicts. This exchange, formalized under the , relocated Greek Orthodox residents to Greece and Muslim populations from Greece to Turkey, resulting in a more ethnically homogeneous Turkish demographic in Nazilli. Modern minorities include descendants of Balkan immigrants (muhacir) and Circassians, who arrived during 19th- and early 20th-century migrations and have integrated into the Turkish majority while retaining some cultural influences. These groups contribute to the district's social fabric without forming distinct enclaves, as Turkey's official statistics do not track ethnicity but indicate a total population of approximately 162,000 residents as of 2023. Administratively, Nazilli District is divided into 82 neighborhoods (mahalle), encompassing both urban and rural areas without separate villages following municipal reforms. Prominent examples include the central neighborhoods of the Nazilli town core, which house most administrative and commercial functions, and peripheral rural ones like Esenköy, site of the ancient Carian city of Harpasa with its hilltop ruins dating to the Archaic period. The ethnic and neighborhood composition fosters cultural homogeneity influenced by Aegean traditions, such as shared festivals and agricultural practices that blend local Turkish customs with subtle immigrant heritages. Neighborhoods serve as basic units of local governance, where elected muhtars handle community affairs, dispute resolution, and coordination with district authorities, reinforcing social cohesion.

Economy and Industry

Agricultural Sector

Nazilli's agricultural sector is anchored in the fertile soils of the Büyük Menderes Valley, which supports a diverse range of crops suited to the region's Mediterranean climate. The primary products include high-quality figs, particularly dried varieties that are a hallmark of the area, alongside olives, citrus fruits such as oranges, cotton, and wheat. Fig production stands out, with Nazilli serving as a key hub in Aydın Province for cultivating and processing these fruits, which are renowned for their sweetness and are extensively dried for export primarily through the port of İzmir (historically known as Smyrna). Olives and olive oil production complement this, benefiting from the valley's alluvial plains, while citrus orchards thrive in irrigated lowlands, and cotton and wheat provide staple field crops that rotate with fruit trees to maintain soil health. Historically, Nazilli has functioned as a traditional marketplace for agricultural goods, facilitating trade in the Aegean region since Ottoman times, when the valley's fertility drew farmers to its river-fed lands. Modern advancements began accelerating after the 1950s with irrigation improvements, including the development of schemes drawing from the Büyük Menderes River via regulators like Feslek, which expanded cultivable areas and boosted yields for water-intensive crops such as cotton and citrus. These post-war initiatives, part of broader Turkish agricultural modernization efforts, introduced better water management techniques that transformed subsistence farming into more commercial operations, enabling higher productivity in figs and olives. The valley's topography, with its flat, sediment-rich floodplains, has been pivotal in these developments by allowing efficient irrigation distribution. Economically, agriculture drives a substantial portion of Nazilli's activity, contributing significantly to Aydın Province's output as a leading producer of dried figs, which account for a major share of Turkey's national exports in this category. In the 2022/23 season, Turkey exported 73,388 tons of dried figs valued at $260 million, with Aydın—including Nazilli—dominating production and adding considerable value to the local economy through markets in beyond. Nazilli's role as a fig processing and export center underscores its national leadership, supporting rural livelihoods amid the sector's overall importance to provincial GDP. However, challenges persist, including climate variability such as increased and shifts in growing seasons, which threaten yields of sensitive crops like citrus and figs in the region.

Manufacturing and Trade

Nazilli's industrial history dates back to the Ottoman era, when British capital financed lignite mining operations in the region, including sites at Nazilli and nearby Sokia that produced around 1,000 tons of low-quality coal annually for local consumption. These early efforts laid a foundation for resource extraction, though mining activities diminished over time due to quality issues and shifting economic priorities. A landmark in the area's manufacturing development was the establishment of the Sümerbank Nazilli Basma Fabrikası in 1935, which began operations as Turkey's first state-owned printed cotton fabric factory and was officially opened by on October 9, 1937. Constructed with Soviet technical assistance and machinery—financed partly by a loan repaid through citrus exports—the facility cost TL 5 million and integrated local cotton supplies into vertical production, yielding 2,914 tons of cotton, 3,000 tons of yarn, and 18 million meters of fabric annually at full capacity. Employing up to 3,155 workers in the early 1950s, it not only drove regional economic growth by spawning 37 additional enterprises, primarily in agroindustry, but also embodied early Republican social engineering through integrated worker amenities like housing, a hospital, school, and recreational facilities. Following its closure in 2002 amid broader privatization trends, the Sümerbank site was repurposed as the Sümer Campus of Adnan Menderes University, marking the end of large-scale state-led textile operations in Nazilli. Contemporary manufacturing has shifted to smaller-scale activities, centered in the Nazilli Organized Industrial Zone, which supports mixed industries including textiles, food processing, and light machinery production. These sectors build on the historical agroindustrial base, processing local raw materials into value-added goods. Nazilli functions as a key trade node in western Anatolia, with the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce coordinating commercial activities and representing the region at international events like the Anuga food fair. Local manufacturing and trade connect to major ports such as Izmir, facilitating exports of processed goods alongside complementary agricultural products like figs. The industrial sector remains a vital employer in Nazilli, contributing significantly to the local economy within Aydın province's broader framework of numerous manufacturing facilities employing tens of thousands across textiles, food processing, and machinery. Post-2000 developments have emphasized sustainability in regional industry, aligning with provincial shifts toward eco-friendly practices in agroprocessing and energy-efficient production, though legacy mining sites like lignite operations have long been inactive.

Culture, Landmarks, and Tourism

Notable Landmarks

Nazilli boasts several historical landmarks that reflect its layered past, from Ottoman-era architecture to early Republican industrial heritage. One of the most prominent sites is the Arpaz Beyler Mansion, also known as Arpaz Castle or Tower, located in Esenköy village, approximately 15 kilometers from the district center. Built in the early 19th century by local Ottoman lords of the Arpaz Beyleri family, specifically Arpazlı Hacı Hasan Bey II during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II, the structure was constructed using artisans brought from Rhodes and features a castle-like appearance with a prominent tower, warehouses, barns, and outbuildings. Its Ottoman architectural style includes defensive elements and residential spaces, serving as a mansion for the lords who owned extensive farmlands extending to the Akçay River. The site is linked to the ancient city of Harpasa, with nearby ruins on Asar Hill dating back to the Archaic period, including ramparts that highlight the area's pre-Ottoman significance. Preservation efforts have been ongoing, though parts remain derelict, and it is accessible via local roads for visitors interested in Ottoman rural architecture. The Sümerbank Nazilli Textile Factory stands as a key industrial heritage landmark, emblematic of early 20th-century modernization in Turkey. Established as part of the state-owned Sümerbank initiative in 1933 to bolster the textile sector, its foundation was laid on August 25, 1935, and it was officially opened by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on October 9, 1937, during a major ceremony. Spanning 65,000 square meters, the complex incorporated modernist architectural principles, including worker settlements that promoted social reforms such as housing and recreational facilities, transforming it into a self-contained community. Operations ceased in 2002. In 2003, the workers' lodgings area was transferred to Nazilli Municipality, partially demolished, and converted into Sümer Park, while the main complex was transferred to Adnan Menderes University to become the , preserving key industrial structures as cultural assets. Today, it is accessible to the public via the district's main roads and serves as a testament to Turkey's industrial evolution, with ongoing efforts by local authorities to integrate it into tourism routes. Central Nazilli features several Ottoman-era buildings, including notable mosques that underscore the district's Islamic architectural heritage. The Ağa Mosque, constructed in the 18th century by Yahya Pasha, exemplifies classical Ottoman design but was severely damaged in the 1900 earthquake and subsequently repaired by the General Directorate of Foundations. Nearby, the Koca Mosque, with its current structure dating to 1886 according to some records, though earlier origins in the 15th century are also claimed, and situated close to the Uzun Çarşı (Long Bazaar), initially served multiple community functions before becoming a dedicated place of worship, reflecting late Ottoman urban planning. These structures, along with other Ottoman remnants like historical hammams, are preserved under provincial protection and easily reachable on foot within the city center, contributing to Nazilli's appeal for cultural tourism. Among minor historical sites, the Republican-era bridges over local rivers add to the landscape's engineering legacy. The Nazilli Bridge over the Büyük Menderes River, a three-span bowstring structure on the Nazilli-Bozdoğan road, represents early 20th-century infrastructure development and remains in use. Similarly, the Kemer Bridge on the Akçay River branch, a single-arched Ottoman-era crossing near district boundaries, highlights historical water management and is accessible for short visits amid scenic surroundings. Preservation initiatives by Aydın provincial authorities ensure these sites' maintenance, though they receive less visitor traffic than major landmarks.

Cultural and Social Life

Nazilli's cultural traditions are deeply rooted in the Aegean region's heritage, featuring lively folk dances such as the zeybek, a performance that embodies bravery and heroism through rhythmic steps and traditional attire including short trousers known as güdük, long knee-high boots, fez, shirts, and belts. Local music often accompanies these dances, drawing from Anatolian folk melodies played on instruments like the bağlama, which resonate during communal gatherings and reflect the area's nomadic and rural influences. Cuisine plays a central role in daily life and celebrations, with figs and olives as staple ingredients; walnut-stuffed dried figs, a legendary Aydın delicacy, are enjoyed fresh or dried and often gifted, while olive oil infuses dishes like gipsy salad (featuring tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, and thyme) and tarator preparations with beans, eggplant, or peppers. The influence of Alevi heritage is evident in local customs, particularly in villages like Alamut where semah, a ceremonial ritual dance, is performed during communal worship gatherings at the Nazilli Cemevi, emphasizing equality, music, and spiritual unity. Festivals and events strengthen community bonds and showcase Nazilli's agricultural and historical identity. The annual Nazilli İncir Festivali, held in late August, celebrates the fig harvest with cultural performances, tastings of fig-based products, and craft displays, attracting national participants and highlighting the region's role in Turkey's fig production. On September 5, the commemoration of the town's 1922 liberation features torchlight processions, wreath-laying ceremonies at Atatürk Monument, official speeches, and evening concerts, drawing thousands to honor local heroes through patriotic music and dances. Cultural fairs promoting textiles occur periodically, often tied to the legacy of the Sümerbank Nazilli Fabric Factory, where exhibitions of handcrafted embroidery—used in traditional items like headscarves, Efe clothing, and pouches—foster appreciation for local weaving arts and economic heritage. Social dynamics in Nazilli revolve around robust community participation, with residents actively engaging in collective events that promote health and education through informal networks and festival activities. The town's vibrant social fabric is exemplified by its cultural exports, including notable figures like writer, producer, and actor İrfan Sabuncu (born 1929), whose works such as Tütüncü Kızı Emine (1958) draw from regional themes and have contributed to Turkish cinema and literature. While traditional practices thrive, contemporary arts receive limited institutional support, creating opportunities for community-driven initiatives to bridge gaps in modern expression.

Government, Infrastructure, and Modern Developments

Local Administration

Nazilli operates as a district municipality within Aydın Province, governed by a structure that includes an elected mayor and a municipal council responsible for local decision-making and policy implementation. The mayor leads the executive functions, while the council, composed of members elected from various political parties, approves budgets, urban plans, and regulations. This system aligns with Turkey's centralized local government framework, where district municipalities handle services such as urban planning and public welfare under provincial oversight. The district is divided into 82 neighborhoods, each administered by an elected muhtar who serves as a ward head, facilitating community-level governance and communication with the municipal authority. Muhtars manage local issues like resident registrations and minor disputes, ensuring grassroots representation within the broader administrative hierarchy. Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Nazilli's local administration underwent significant reforms, integrating Ottoman-era district structures into the new republican system with standardized municipal laws emphasizing secular governance and national unity. Historically, Nazilli had been designated a district in 1831 during the Ottoman period, but post-1922 changes focused on modernizing local institutions to support national development goals. In recent elections, the 2024 local polls marked a shift, with Republican People's Party (CHP) candidate Ertuğrul Tetik securing the mayoral position with 48.72% of the votes, defeating the Justice and Development Party contender. The municipal council reflects diverse affiliations, contributing to regional planning efforts that prioritize balanced urban growth and resource allocation across Aydın Province. Municipal developments emphasize sustainability and livability, with projects aimed at enhancing urban environments through green initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. For instance, the administration has pursued urban regeneration to improve public spaces and quality of life, though detailed post-2020 administrative adjustments remain partially documented, focusing on adaptive governance amid national policy shifts.

Transportation and Education

Nazilli's transportation infrastructure primarily relies on rail and road networks, connecting it to major regional centers. The Basmane-Nazilli regional railway, operated by TCDD Taşımacılık as the B310 line, provides daily passenger services from İzmir's Basmane station to Nazilli, covering 175 kilometers in approximately 3.5 hours with multiple departures throughout the day. No reservations are required, and the service uses diesel multiple units without onboard catering. Road connectivity is facilitated by the D550 state highway, which links Nazilli northward to Aydın (about 50 km) and İzmir, and southward toward Muğla, while the D320 highway provides access eastward to Denizli (approximately 85 km). Intercity bus services operate from Nazilli's otogar, offering frequent routes to İzmir, Denizli, and beyond via companies like Kamil Koç. Nazilli lacks a major airport, with residents depending on İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), located roughly 140 km northwest and reachable in about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus. Local public transit remains limited, with minimal intra-city bus options, contributing to reliance on private vehicles for daily commuting. Education in Nazilli encompasses a range of secondary and higher education institutions, supporting the district's approximately 162,000 residents. The city hosts several high schools, including vocational and technical Anatolian high schools focused on commerce, trade, and technical skills, such as Nazilli Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School and Nazilli 50 Yıl Commerce Vocational High School, which prepare students for local industries. At the tertiary level, the Nazilli campus of Aydın Adnan Menderes University features the Nazilli Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, offering four-year undergraduate programs in business and management, alongside the Nazilli Vocational School, which provides two-year associate degrees with emphasis on textile technology and logistics to align with the region's manufacturing sector. Although agriculture-related programs are more prominent at the university's main campus, Nazilli's vocational offerings indirectly support the local agro-textile economy through practical training. Healthcare infrastructure includes the Nazilli State Hospital, a public facility under the Ministry of Health providing comprehensive services such as emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments to serve the district's population, with no major expansions reported post-2020.

References

  1. https://www.nazillitb.org.tr/en/NAZILLI.aspx
  2. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Adrese-Dayali-Nufus-Kayit-Sistemi-Sonuclari-2024-53783
  3. https://discoverthenazilli.com/en/discover/nazilli
  4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359439493_Industrial_Policy_and_Social_Engineering_at_the_Beginning_of_the_20th_Century_The_Case_of_Sumerbank_Nazilli_Textile_Plant_in_Turkey
  5. https://journals.vilniustech.lt/index.php/JAU/article/view/19757
  6. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1156318-Activities-Nazilli_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html
  7. https://visitturkey.in/district/nazilli-aydin/
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  9. https://visitmyturkey.com/en/harpasa-ancient-city/
  10. https://www.ktb.gov.tr/yazdir?1CE10649E8073EB6F12AC8C9BF24804A
  11. https://aydin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-64423/harpasa.html
  12. https://www.levantineheritage.com/pdf/The-Role-of-British-Capital-in-the-Economic-Development-of-Western-Anatolia-1850-1913_Orhan-Kurmus.pdf
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  16. https://www.journeysinternational.com/destination/europe/turkey/nazilli/
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  18. https://geloky.com/geocoding/place/Nazilli%2BTurkey
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  21. https://archive.conscientiabeam.com/index.php/68/article/view/2933/6390
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  24. https://jsaer.com/download/vol-12-iss-7-2025/JSAER2025-12-7-86-91.pdf
  25. https://weatherspark.com/y/95340/Average-Weather-in-Nazilli-Turkey-Year-Round
  26. https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/incir/Belgeler/yayinlar/Turkish_figs.pdf
  27. https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/scd/icerikler/b.menderes_typ-20250728092327.pdf
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  33. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Elderly-Statistics-2024-54079&dil=2
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  35. https://www.alevihaber.com/alevi-koyleri-listesi-45948h.htm
  36. https://www.merip.org/2013/06/the-greek-turkish-population-exchange/
  37. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4275276
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  39. http://www.nazilli.gov.tr/mahalli-idareler
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  50. https://aydin.tarimorman.gov.tr/Belgeler/Belgeler/Ayd%25C4%25B1n%2520Hakk%25C4%25B1nda/Genel%2520Bilgiler.pdf
  51. https://aydin.bel.tr/mobil/detail/4379/sosya-ekonomik-yapi
  52. https://www.iskur.gov.tr/medya/wy4hb43m/aydin.pdf
  53. https://aydincagiriyor.com/en/aydincalling/culturel/meandros-route/arpaz-tower-arpaz-bey-mansion/54
  54. https://slowtravelguide.net/arpaz-mansion-en/
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  56. https://ecency.com/hive-163772/%40ozgeoz/arpaz-castle-400-years-old
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  58. https://open.metu.edu.tr/handle/11511/44889
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  60. https://www.reddit.com/r/UrbanHell/comments/1l102y4/a_historical_ottoman_hamambath_in_nazilli/
  61. https://dokumen.pub/kpriyet-republican-heritage-bridges-of-turkey-1032007109-9781032007106.html
  62. https://www.naztic.org.tr/en/bozdogan/
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  64. https://www.naztic.org.tr/en/local-cuisine/
  65. https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/aydin/etkinlik/nazilli-incir-festivali
  66. https://secim.hurriyet.com.tr/31-mart-2024-yerel-secimleri/aydin-nazilli-ilcesi-yerel-secim-sonuclari/
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  68. https://railturkey.org/travel/trains/regional/izmirnazilli/
  69. https://www.viamichelin.com/routes/results/denizli-20010-merkezefendi-denizli-turkey-to-nazilli-09800-nazilli-aydin-turkey
  70. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Nazilli/Denizli
  71. https://www.travelmath.com/drive-distance/from/ADB/to/Nazilli%2C%2BTurkey
  72. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Nazilli/Izmir-Airport-ADB
  73. https://currentsocialjournal.com/index.php/pub/article/view/10
  74. https://akademik.adu.edu.tr/fakulte/nazilliiibf/en/hakkimizda/genel-bilgiler
  75. https://akademik.adu.edu.tr/myo/nazilli/en/birimler/textile-technology-4168
  76. https://nazillidh.saglik.gov.tr/
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