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Manisa
 An
attractive Aegean city, Manisa has preserved several splendid
examples of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. Endowed by
Ayse Sultana, mother of Sьleyman the Magnificent, the Sultan
Mosque was built early in the 16th century. Every year in
April, on the grounds of this mosque, a festival is held
celebrating Mesir Macunu, a sticky imperial elixir that
reputedly cured the sultan's ailing mother. The 16th century
Muradiye Mosque was designed by the great architect Sinan
and the adjacent medrese, or theological college, today
houses the Archaeological Museum. September sees the annual
Harvest Festival begin when the fruit of the vineyards are
brought in with great celebration. The region's numerous
vineyards produce grapes, 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 Gцrdes, a pleasant town particularly known for
its fine carpets.
The ruins of ancient Sart (Sardis), once the capital of
the Lydian realm of Croesus, lie on the Sart Зayi
(Pactole River). Here the first coins were minted. The Temple
of Artemis and a restored gymnasium testify to the city's
past splendour, as does the important third-century A.D.
synagogue. On the south side of Sardis, Mt. Boz offers trekking
and other mountain sports. On its south slope, in the village
of Birgi, is the Зakir Aga Mansion, a fine example
of traditional Turkish architecture.
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