25.12.2023
5 Dakika
Uşak, serving as a crossroads between Central Anatolia and the Aegean Region of Türkiye, encompasses the lands where the Lydian civilization, well-known for pioneering the use of money, once thrived. Bearing many traces of Phrygian, Lydian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations Uşak boasts a profound history of human settlement since the Paleolithic Age. In this regard, we have compiled information about 6 must-see places in Uşak, each contributing to its unique historical richness.
The ruins of the ancient city of Blaundos, established during the Macedonian Kingdom of Alexander the Great and persisting under the reign of the Pergamon Kingdom and the Roman Empire, is one of the historical assets worth exploring in Uşak. In the Blaundos Archaeological Site, you can explore the ruins of the castle, city walls, various administrative buildings, as well as the surviving elements of structures such as temples, stadiums, and rock tombs.
Constructed approximately 2,500 years ago during the Phrygian period on the Banaz Creek, the historic Clandras Bridge is a testament to ancient architectural and engineering techniques. Enveloped by the serene melody of Banaz Creek amidst lush greenery, the bridge area doubles as a picnic spot, offering a delightful experience.
The Selçikler Archaeological Site harbors the ruins of the Sebaste Ancient City, founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus, gaining importance as the regional episcopal center in the 6th century AD. The area includes two church buildings and a Roman bathhouse, and the excavations reveal a settlement history from the Bronze Age, while the tumuli in the north indicate Lydian influences. Sebaste, which maintained its importance until the 10th century AD, was one of the pilgrimage centers of the ancient world, as it held religious sway over neighboring cities.
Displaying historical artifacts unearthed within Uşak's borders, the Uşak Museum boasts a rich collection of daily objects spanning the Paleolithic and Bronze Ages, along with items from Phrygian, Lydian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Uşak Museum, showcases many examples of coins found in the region that includes the Lydian lands, where money was first minted and used in history. However, the highlight of the museum is the renowned Treasures of Croesus (Karun), featuring magnificent pieces such as the Winged Seahorse Brooch. A visit to Uşak Museum is a must for history enthusiasts.
Ulubey Canyon, ranked as the second-longest canyon globally, offers breathtaking trekking experiences with spectacular views. In the region, where Ulubey and Banaz Creeks run along the creek and many lateral canyons merge with the main one, you can engage in outdoor activities such as river sports, rock climbing, and balloon rides, or camp on the hills overlooking the mesmerizing canyon. A glass-floor observation deck above the canyon floor also provides a captivating panaroma.
Occupying a historical building used as a headquarters during the Turkish War of Independence, the most crucial period in the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, Atatürk and Ethnography Museum showcases objects such as Uşak carpets, Esme rugs, ancient weapons, and traditional regional attire. One floor of the museum is dedicated to the memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye and the leader of the War of Independence, and feature period furniture, Atatürk's bedroom, and personal belongings. Notably, the museum stands in the mansion where Trikoupis, the Commander-in-Chief of the Greek Army, who was captured during the Turkish War of Independence, was welcomed by Atatürk and the senior staff of the Turkish army. Do not miss this museum, especially if you are intrigued by the key events in the region's recent history and the daily life of that era.
