Happy TravellerWelcome to Salihli, a vibrant town and district located in the Manisa Province of Turkey. Nestled in the southern alluvial plains of the Gediz River, Salihli boasts a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in Salihli.
Salihli’s history dates back thousands of years, with the city of Sardes being established nearby in ancient times. Today, visitors can explore the remains of Sardes, including the Lydian King Giges’ tomb, the Artemis Temple, and a Marble Court with Gymnasium built by the Romans. These historical vestiges are widely visited by tourists, nationally and internationally. Additionally, the city’s advantageous location, smooth and busy intercity connections, and fertile soil have allowed Salihli to develop extremely well in recent years.
One of Salihli’s main economic drivers is agriculture, with seedless sultana grapes, wheat, barley, cotton, tobacco, and maize being the main agricultural products. The region’s fertile soil also allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, Salihli’s thermal springs, known as Kurşunlu Kaplıcaları, are famous across the region, with tourists visiting to treat rheumatic disorders, sciatica, lumbago, arthritis, neuralgia, orthopaedic disorders, several skin diseases, some gynecological conditions, and kidney disorders.
Sports activities are also quite developed in Salihli, with nearly 1500 licensed athletes competing in various sports activities, such as football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, judo, wrestling, oil wrestling, folk dance, and chess. The city was represented for a long time in the Turkish Second League by Yeni Salihlispor, and the judo team has won gold, silver, and bronze medals in world championships and countless medals in national tournaments.
Besides other Turkish dishes, Salihli has a particular köfte variety of its own, named Odun Köfte. Gökeyüp village’s güveç stews are also particularly famous in the region. The production of high-quality grapes, especially sultana grapes, is also reflected in the cuisine. In wedding ceremonies held in the villages, dishes like keşkek and topalak are often cooked, and some people make their own rakı with sweet sultana grapes.
Whether you’re interested in exploring Salihli’s ancient history, indulging in its delicious cuisine, or enjoying its many sports and outdoor activities, this charming town and district has something for everyone. Come and discover the many treasures of Salihli for yourself!
