History of Manisa

Manisa (an earlier name Saruhan) has a very long history and its first settlement dates back to as early as 14th century B.C. In 12th century B.C., the city of Magnesia Ad Sipylum was founded. Some 600 years later the region was conquered by the great Persian king – Cyprus II. In the 1st century, the city passed under Roman rule and thus prospered as a rich and commercially active city. During this period it first acquired the name Magnesiopolis and later became Magnesia. After the Romans, for a century the kingdom was ruled by the Christians (John 3 Ducas) and then was conquered by the Turkmen tribes who made it the capital of their principality. They also changed the name to Manisa. In 1390, Manisa was conquered by the Ottomans who chose the city as the training ground for crown princes. After 12 years the city passed into the hands of Timur Lenk who restored the principality and later Manisa once again was incorporated into Ottoman Empire. In the 16th century, the Mesir Macunu festival was started in the honor of the cure of Ayse Sultana, mother of Suleiman the magnificent. “Mesir Macunu” or spiced candy, which cured her, is made by mixing various spices and is supposed to restore health, youth and potency. The 16th-century Muradiye Mosque was designed by the great architect Sinan.The adjacent medrese, or theological college, today houses the Archaeological Museum. The annual Harvest Festival begins in September when the fruits of the vineyards are brought in amid great celebration. The region's numerous vineyards produce grapes that are then dried for export. South of the city lies the Sipil Dagi National Park, home of the famous "crying rock" of Niobe. If you travel to the northeast you come to Gordes, a pleasant town particularly known for its fine carpets.

The most splendid city of Manisa Province is Sardis which has many other magnificent mosques coming from the Ottoman Period. Sardis, the capital city of the Lydian Kingdom, located at the starting point of the famous "King's Road" which extends towards the east, was an important trade center. In fact, Sardis was where metal coins were used for the first time in the world as a commercial value. The Temple of Artemis, restored gymnasium and one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Anatolia dates from the third century A.D. are the places which are most frequently visited in Sardis today. On the south side of Sardis, Mt. Boz (ancient Mt. Tmolus) is good for hiking and other mountain sports.

source: manisabilisim.org