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FOÇA, The Castle of Mediterranean Seals
With two symbols, rooster and seal, Foça is an authentic district of İzmir with an integration of mythology, archeology, history, nature and urbanism.
Foça is one of the 12 Ionian cities established by Ionians fleeing to Aegean coasts from the Dor invasion in the ancient Greece. Being a mythological settlement, Foça is also mentioned in the epic of Homer.
Phokaia, which owes its name to seals, was an important port city with great maritime power in the antique age. Starting with 7th century BC, the city of Phokaia has developed rapidly, and according to Herodotus, "the father of history", has made great leaps in maritime business.
Phokaian seamen who used fast ships with 50 oars with a capacity of 500 passengers, have left their home in 546 BC when the Persians took power all over Anatolia, went all the way to France and founded the city of Marseilles in Southern France.
Lapseki in Çanakkale, Samsun in the Black Sea, Alalia in Corsica, Velia in Italy; along with the city of Milet in the Ionian era, are among the cities founded by Phokaians, who have colonized in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
After Alexander the Great ended the Persians command in 334 BC, Foça has been ruled by the Pergamon Kingdom, the Romans, the Byzantines and the Ottomans successively.
Siren Rocks, Devil's Baths, Stone House (Monumental Tomb), Five Gates (Genoese) Castle, Outer Castle from the Ottoman Era, Fatih Mosque, Kayalar Mosque, Hafız Süleyman Mosque and Ottoman Cementry; and civil structures carrying the characteristic of Aegean architecture are the most significant elements that further enhance Foça's archeological and cultural value.
In the centrum of Old Foça, you can find all types of fresh sea food in the restaurants located on the coast.
You Must
You also must see the Mediterranean Seals at Foça which are in danger of extinction.The Society to Preserve Mediterranean Seals, located in the town, will provide you sample assistance for this purpose.
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