Çine is a district of Aydın province in the Aegean Region. Name of the District The previous name of the district was “Kıroba”. After Eskiçine lost its importance, its name was changed to Çine as a result of the settlement and population that developed in the village named “Kıroba” and surpassed Eskiçine. History İnce Kemer This beautiful valley and the Çine stream flowing through it are the subject of the Marsyas legend in mythology.

The legend is as follows: While Goddess Athena was walking around the edge of the stream flowing through this valley and playing her pipe, she saw that her cheeks were bulging in the water. He found the opposite ugly and threw it away. Marsyas, who discovered the pipe, began to play it so beautifully that his fame spread everywhere. He came to challenge God Apollo, who saw himself as unrivaled in music. Apollo invited Marsyas to the competition. King Midas also became a referee.

Even though Marsyas played the pipe better, he was declared defeated, but Apollo, who could not overcome his jealousy, skinned Marsyas and turned Midas’s ears into donkey ears. But later he regretted what he did and turned Marsyas’ body into a river. This is how the ancient name Marsyas, today known as Çine Stream, was formed.

The history of the district dates back to ancient times due to its fertile lands, favorable natural conditions and location on trade routes.

Culture

The famous meatballs of our country are known as Sultanahmet, Akçaabat, İnegöl and Tire meatballs. We, as Aydın Çine people, laugh at these comments. Because the best meatballs of this country are made in Çine. As someone who has tasted other meatballs, come on, challenge yourself. You may ask, if it is so beautiful, why don’t we know about it? Here’s why: Çine meatballs were invented by the late Tahsin Işık and his father in the early 1900s.

They actually experimented long and hard to create a different taste and created the meatballs we eat today. He opened his first meatball restaurant in 1930. It still continues its operations with two businesses, one in the city of Çine and the other towards the Muğla road. Tahsin Işık has not given the secret of this amazing taste to everyone. The number of people who still know how to make this meatball does not exceed 50. They are Tahsin Işık’s relatives and the staff working with him.

If you happen to be in Çine and enter a meatball restaurant, the owner of the restaurant is definitely either related to Tahsin Işık or has worked for him. Our district depends on its traditions. One of the most important principles of the phenomenon of efelik is to keep one’s mouth shut. Since Tahsin Işık grew up with that culture, he did not even tell his 50-year-old customers the secret of his meatballs. The meatball shopkeepers in the district still do not tell anyone the secret of this meatball.

It is up to us to talk about the secret of meatballs. In our discussions among ourselves, we made many guesses about the taste of the meatballs, such as spices, mixing red pepper powder with ground meat, removing the sinews from the meat and making it into minced meat, mixing it with apple cider vinegar, and having the grill on high, but we were wrong in all of them. A friend of mine’s father learned how to make it by chance.

It was very difficult, but there is no problem in terms of hygiene. Çine, which is a truly traditional place, has not been able to take advantage of these opportunities even though it is on the route of touristic districts such as Marmaris and Fethiye. Finally, in the early 2000s, luxury meatball and garbage restaurants were opened one after the other on the road. There are Tahsin Işık, Köfteci Dede, Butcher Mehmet Zengin and a few other nice restaurants whose names I cannot remember.

On summer days, these restaurants are packed with holidaymakers. When we go with friends, we feel sorry for the holidaymakers. Because they eat trash. They don’t try the meatballs. Very few of them eat meatballs, as they come with the prejudice that garbage is famous in the Aegean region. One portion of Çine meatballs consists of eight meatballs made from 100 grams of minced meat.

While it is served with fresh bread in the city, it is served with fried bread and lavaç in roadside restaurants. Also, the tomatoes are served fried, which I do not recommend because a different flavor is created when the juice of fresh tomatoes and the juice of the meatballs are mixed. The price is between 3.5-4 YTL, which is quite cheap. There is absolutely no price gouging in roadside restaurants, which is a good reason to eat meatballs.

For those who will go to Fethiye and Marmaris during the summer holidays, I would definitely recommend you not to miss it. For those who are going to Bodrum, I recommend that they do not go via Söke but instead take the Aydın-Muğla highway and try the meatballs. Then they can go to Bodrum through Yatağan. The road won’t be long. I’m sure you’ll like it. After eating, do not forget to thank the late Tahsin Işık. Çine District is a part of Aydın Province.

The district, like many districts of Aydın, has been an important settlement center since historical times. Its soils are quite fertile. Therefore, the main source of its economy is agriculture. Olive, cotton etc. In addition to preferred agricultural products such as mining, it has also increased its income level above normal with mining, which has become widespread and developed recently. Çine Stream

Surface Shapes

The surface shapes of Çine district are determined by the large Çine Plain fed by the Çine Stream, which originates from the Yatağan border and flows towards Menderes, and the mountains around this plain. Çine Stream, which divides these fertile lands where all kinds of investments can be made, is the only river source of our district.

climate

The climate of Çine district is under the influence of the temperate Mediterranean climate. This is clearly seen in the data we have. The average temperature is 18 degrees. The highest temperature is 43.3 degrees. The lowest temperature in the district is -6.0. The average cloudiness rate is 4.3 degrees. The average number of clear days of the year is 43.5 days. Vegetation: The vegetation of Çine district is under the influence of the Mediterranean Climate.

Therefore, most of the plant species are xeric. Red glass and larch tree species are common in the mountainous areas of the district, especially in Madran and Gökbel. Maquis and shrubs, which are Mediterranean vegetation, can be observed in almost every area of ​​the district. Since the beginning of our century, maquis trees have generally been destroyed in order to acquire olive production areas, grain planting areas and agricultural lands.

Although they are not observed much on the slopes of Mardan Mountain, olive trees, which are clearly observed on the slopes of Gökbel Mountain, dominate the large forest area of ​​the region. Although rare, terebinth, oleander and elm species are also seen in our region.

Dams and Ponds

Lakes: There are lakes in Çine and its surroundings. In addition, the water pond belonging to the Topçam Dam built on the Madran Creek serves as a lake. The surrounding villages benefit sufficiently from this dam lake.

The villages of Altınova, Tepeköy, Subaşı, Kasar and Karanfiller, which have land around the dam, came together and established a cooperative under the name of Topçam Dam Lake and Surrounding Villages Fisheries Production and Evaluation Cooperative. This cooperative catches and markets the fish whose production is encouraged by the state. In addition, Çatak and Akçaova irrigation ponds will be able to gain lake status after the water is retained.

Topçam Dam: The construction of Topçam Dam, the only dam in Çine, started in 1976. The construction of the embankment type dam was completed in 1986. For irrigation purposes, the arable lands of Cumalıköy, Altınova, Çaltı, Yolboyu, Bucak and Karakollar villages are irrigated with Topçam Dam water. The irrigation area of ​​the dam is 4300 hectares.

In the dam pond, where fish production started shortly after the completion of its construction, mirror carp, scaled carp and Meriç fish are also produced, as well as the natural fish of the Madran Stream where the dam was built. Çatak Pond: The construction of Çatak Pond started in 1994 and was completed in 1996.

Pond; It was built to irrigate the arable lands of Çatak, Elderesi and Kavşit Villages and to increase the production of trees such as walnut and chestnut in the plateau. Fish production is also done in the pond. Akçaova Pond: The construction of the fill type Akçaova Pond, the construction of which started in 1992 within the borders of Develiler District of Seferler Village, was completed in 1995. This pond was built for irrigation purposes.

The laying of the irrigation channels of the pond started in 1996 and the laying works were completed in the same year. Akçaova Pond is planned to provide irrigation in Seferler, Hasanlar, Yeşilköy, Kadılar and some parts of Akçaova.

Underground Riches

In recent years, feldspar mines from dozens of quarries operated by the world’s best-run feldspar and quartz enterprises have been sent to all over the world. Apart from the abundant feldspar quartz mines, there is no other mine identified. Although some sources say that there is sandpaper and uranium within the district’s territory, their extraction has not started or been detected.

However, there is no specific reserve determined for feldspar and quartz mines; It is known from today’s studies that there are reserves that can last at least 60-70 years. This means that the known feldspar reserve is around 50-60 million tons. Çine is the world’s largest region in terms of feldspar reserves used in glass, ceramics, porcelain and enamel making.

According to 1995 data, 95% of the world’s feldspar is produced around Çine and Milas. It also has a say in the production of potassium feldspar, which is used in the production of ceramics, porcelain and enamel. Quartz, which is mined in Çine and its region and used in glass, ceramics, porcelain, enamel, filter industry, paint and artificial marble, is also the highest quality quartz variety in the world.

Kaltun Maden (mining company established in 1960) is the first company to mine sodium feldspar in Turkey. On the other hand, Kaltun Mining has the largest reserves in the region. The annual production of the enterprise is around 140 to 200 thousand tons. The world’s sodium feldspar, potassium feldspar and quartz minerals are sent from China.

On the other hand, giant organizations that have a say in ceramics such as Turkey Şişe Cam, Söğüt Seramik, Çanakkale Seramik, Kütahya Porselen, Toprak Seramik, Serel Group, Anatolia, Eczacıbaşı also benefit from Çine’s mines. The mined minerals are sold to countries such as Spain, Lebanon, North African countries and Portugal. Our minerals are sent abroad from Güllük Port.

The amount of minerals mined in our region is around 1.1 million tons. The annual amount of mined minerals sent abroad is 600 thousand tons, according to 1995 figures.

China Economy

Çine Municipality Topçam Madran Spring Water Economy is based on agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry. Crop production is concentrated in Çine and Akçaova plains. In addition to traditional products such as cotton, tobacco, olives and peanuts, the district has become very dominant in fruit, vegetable and greenhouse production in recent years. The surrounding gin, olive oil factories, soap workshops, lime and mines constitute the district’s industry.

Apart from these, there are metal processing and manufacturing facilities. Livestock, especially dairy farming and livestock breeding, constitute the main source of income for the people. Drinking water is one of the biggest sources of income of Çine Municipality. In Çine, where agriculture and animal husbandry constitute the source of income, incomes in this sector have gradually decreased in recent years.

However, the great development of mining, which was carried out on a narrow scale in the 1980s, enabled the revival of the district’s economy. Approximately 10 mining companies operating in the region, which has the world’s highest quality sodium, feldspar and quartz mineral reserves, employ around a thousand workers today.

These companies provide added value to the country’s economy by exporting 80 percent of the “White Minerals” that they extract in Çine and Karpuzlu mountains and process in crushing and grinding facilities. The rapid development in mining has created sub-sectors in different areas in the district. This change in the economy has become a source of income for approximately 10 thousand people in Çine.

Çine, which is expressed by the saying “Oil flows from its mountains and honey flows from its plains”, now has white metal in both its mountains and plains… Efforts to bring natural gas and railway to Çine, where OIZ establishment works are continuing rapidly, are also continuing in order to attract foreign investors. In the district, whose annual agricultural income is 25 million dollars, today the income from the mines has reached 80 million dollars.

The next target in Çine is; The conversion of minerals offered to the domestic and foreign markets as raw materials or semi-finished products into products in new factories to be established. This, in addition to increasing mining revenues exponentially, will significantly reduce unemployment not only in Çine but also in Aydin. It is also a country famous for Çine Madran waters. The most prominent of these is Çine Municipality Topçam Madran Water.

One of the other water companies is Kaltun Madran.

Places to Visit in China

The rocks, eroded, shaped and polished by the flow of Çine stream waters, have created surprising figures in the Beşparmak mountains extending to Bafa Lake. It is not known whether it is a coincidence that the Aphrodisias Sculptor School was established in this region due to the white and blue marble quarries, but it is certain that these figures inspired the students.

Aydın is one of the lucky provinces… In the Aegean region, where the mountains descend steeply to the sea, it has fertile plains between the valleys, hills covered with winter-hardy pine trees, lace shores, ancient cities and cultural richness. Well, even though Kuşadası succumbed to concrete and gave up, there is Dilek Peninsula National Park right next to it, with its crystal clear sea and diverse vegetation.

Moreover, tourist ships coming to Selçuk, Ephesus and Virgin Mary by sea also dock at Kuşadası port. The ancient cities of Didim, Miletus, Prienne, Alinda, Alabanda, Gerga and Nyssa are located within the borders of Aydın province. This is also where I found the name for my documentary “Rocks”, which I describe as an idyllic banquet table and have been working on for years.

We will see the Çine River valley, pass through the local “garbage kebab” smells and grill smoke, and then go to the famous ancient city of Aphrodisias. There is still time, but while we are here, we will also talk about the camel wrestling that heats up in the autumn. We choose Kuşadası as the epicenter to stay and start our trip.

During the sea season, I recommend you go to Dilek Peninsula National Park or Pamucak beaches, which have water color that is clear enough to drink. There is also Karine beach on the side of the National Park facing the Mediterranean, which rivals these beaches, and it would take a long time to describe its unique beauty. The sea gets cold late around here. For this reason, the region also hosts guests during the winter season.

Kuşadası shopping mall, Women’s Beach area, and the bars and restaurants around the marina have a lively, colorful atmosphere. Pigeon Island, which is called by this name because of the large number of birds, is one of the most popular destinations. In Kuşadası, where the beaches have been plundered and the sea filled with stones, old Kuşadası houses with architectural features unique to the region can still be found.

Öküzpaşa Caravanserai, located on the liveliest coast of Kuşadası, serves tourism with all its splendor. We leave Kuşadası, which is a first-degree tourism region and selected as a pilot region, and start our sightseeing tour…

Life in Adaland

“Adaland”, a water games paradise opened in 2002 with the slogan of a single island surrounded by land on all four sides, is located in Çam Harbor and is one of the most popular places in summer. In the water paradise, where local and foreign tourists spend the whole day participating in various activities, those who slide through the water tunnels many times, then abandon themselves to the artificially created waves in the wave pool.

Another passion, the new rafting course created with artificial waves, attracts attention as the new address of entertainment. Those who slide quickly down the slides into the pool in groups of four experience the ultimate happiness with the screams of joy they spread around. Young people dancing on the track accompanied by high-volume disco music accompany the show group on stage without feeling tired among the water fountains gushing from the ground.

While those who come with their babies cool off in the children’s pools, sunbathers prefer the terraces and poolside areas. Shady bars covered with awnings offer rich varieties to those who want to eat and watch the surroundings while also meeting their beverage needs. The shows performed by dolphins in another park of Adaland are watched with interest and sympathy.

Those who have their experiences taken during the day by the photographers can purchase their souvenir photos from the hanging board at the exit. Adaland, which also has a souvenir stand, closes at 19.00. Starlight Tourism, serving on Kuşadası İnönü Boulevard, organizes fun trips to Pamucak beaches and Beşparmak mountains with horse safari, camel safari and jeep safari tours for those who like to travel in groups.

For these tours, you can contact İsmail Dökme at (0-256) 612 58 24. Boat trips to Gumuldur are another alternative.

Çine Stream Valley

The Çine stream valley awaits those who leave the Aydın highway and take the Yatağan route, where the ancient cities of Alinda, Alabanda and Gerga are located. The waters of Çine Stream, which displays a delicate appearance with its arched stone bridge reminiscent of a necklace, bird species and glass-shining shores, are collected in the water collection basin for the construction of the dam. Since the rising waters will swallow the valley, a kind of by-pass has been provided for vehicles with the newly constructed upper road.

However, while the rocks that have been eroded, shaped and polished by the flow of water over the years show surprising differences even in the Beşparmak mountains extending to Lake Bafa; Maybe it inspires the students of Aphrodisias Sculptor School years ago.

The interesting rocks in the natural wonder region, which shines brightly after the rain with its silicate sand and smooth-surfaced stones, gain color, harmony and integrity with the dark pink oleander flowers that literally burst from the ground in the secluded parts of the Çine stream.

There is one of them, with the appearance of an animal head with its tongue sticking out, that caused me to brake suddenly while driving years ago and gave both the beginning and inspiration to the subject “The language of stones”, which I am still working on. There are also ancient arched stone bridges and various fountains on the Çine stream, which are still used by pedestrians and where tourists take a break. Now we leave Çine stream and go to another sculpture workshop…

Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias, the most important city of Caria, located on a plateau 600 m above sea level at the foothills of Babadağ, is located near the village of Gevre in Aydın Karacasu district, 230 km away from Izmir. The ancient city, which attracts great attention from tourists and has survived to the present day in a very well-preserved state, is famous for its sculptor school and statues.

The white and blue marble quarries located in the east of the city are shown as the reason for the establishment of the sculptor school in Aphrodisias. Our first stop during our tour in the city surrounded by the castle wall, 3.5 km away, is the theater with a capacity of 10 thousand spectators, which was unearthed as a result of the excavations. Passing through various city ruins, you come to the temple of Aphrodite, the sacred place of the city.

The floor of the temple, which stands with 14 columns, is covered with mosaics and surrounded by a wire mesh. The stadium, which is in a very good condition compared to its counterparts, stands in all its glory with a capacity of 30 thousand people, 262 m length and 59 m width.

While sitting on the steps of the two-door stadium and relaxing, the tourists, who listen with interest to what the group guide tells them, leave the stadium and see the monumental entrance gate opposite the temple of Aphrodite. The eye-catchingly beautiful gate is the place where tourists take most photos. The last place visited is the Aphrodisias Museum.

In the museum, where various statues, statue heads, reliefs, sarcophagi, medusa and animal figures are exhibited, different colored marbles are used in the statues; The importance given to hair, eyes and face, as well as the flexibility, softness and details in the figures, reveal the mastery of the sculptors in Aphrodisias.

Photography and camera use were strictly prohibited under the control of spotters appointed by Kenan Erim, who once carried out the excavation work; After Erim’s death, it can now be done easily both in the museum and in the ancient city area. In the museum, miniature plaster copies of some works, documents such as posters, brochures, booklets and postcards can be purchased from the tourist goods section.

Note: You can also see some of the Aphrodisias statues in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, in the hall of the same name.

camel wrestling

In the autumn, when the camels come into heat, wrestling is held in the region extending from Çanakkale to the Mediterranean, especially in the Aegean region. Camel wrestling, which has no brutality and no winners or losers, was previously organized as a winter entertainment among the camel drivers. With the interest of the public, it became widespread and became a tradition.

It is possible to see wrestling, which started with the festival held in Selçuk on January 16, around Aydın every Sunday in February and March. Special male camels, aged 5-6 years old, called “Tülü” and weighing approximately 1 ton, are groomed with camel saddle havut, with which they push their opponents in wrestling. Foam coming from the camel’s mouth indicates that it is ready for wrestling. The camels, excited by drums and horns, are taken to the wrestling arena with the announcement of “Cazgır”.

For camels that do not want to wrestle, the method is to reveal the mate of one of the camels. In this way, the camel, which is in a jealousy crisis to avoid losing its mate, is made to wrestle. Those who come to the camel wrestling festival tie a shawl called “pushi” around their heads and necks. There are also camel rider clothes that are overlooked.

The knee-long bellows, egg-heeled camel-heeled camel boots worn under the shalwar are made to order by old masters in Aydın. It seems that bellows camel-rider boots will one day spread among young people and take their place in world shoe fashion, like cowboy boots.