Akhisar - History

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Updated
17/05/03

History of Akhisar

Introduction	Click here for an ancient map of the region
Ancient Ages	Lydian, Persian and Hellenistic Eras Roman Era Byzantine Era Thyateira and Christianity Ancient Thyateira Economy
Turkish Era	Turkish Movement to Asia Minor Saruhan Rule Ottoman Era Akhisar Economy during Ottoman Era Notes of Evliya Celebi about Akhisar
Modern Era - Turkish Republic
Historical Sites of Interest	Ancient Ages Turkish Era Others Findings Displayed in Museums
Jewish Settlement in Akhisar

INTRODUCTION

In the ancient ages, Akhisar had several different names, in addition to Thyateira. These were Pelopeia (Pelopia, Pelopio), Semiramis (name of a Seleucid queen?) and Euippia (=place where horses are grown). During the glorious years of Christianity and Byzantine era Akhisar was called Ta Siateira (The Holy Church) and Aspro Kastro (Greek, =White Castle). Under Turkish rule (since 1400's), the town has always been called as Akhisar (Turkish, Ak=white and Hisar=castle).

Some houseware findings reveal that there were primitive settlements in the current town center going well back to 3,000 BC. The suffix -ra, which means "city" in ancient Luwi language, implies that Thyateira might be founded by the ancient Luwi tribe. The double-sided battle axe (labris) appears to be a common figure in findings in or near Akhisar.

Research on Thyateira and findings imply the periods of Lydian, Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish. Having witnessed all these periods, Akhisar has a very rich history and regional culture.

Please click on the above links to discover Akhisar history in different eras.