Dikili is a district located in the western part of Türkiye, within the province of İzmir. It lies along the Aegean Sea, in the lower section of the Bakırçay Basin. The district is bordered to the north by the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir, and to the south by the Bergama and Aliağa districts of İzmir. The region is characterized by a generally flat topography; this area, which has developed as a plain, extends from the foothills of the Geyikli Mountains to the sea.
Geography
The coastal zone, exhibiting deltaic characteristics, is notable for its alluvial islets, coastal ridges, and remnants of wetlands. The Bakırçay River has historically altered its course multiple times, a process that has contributed to the formation of the delta plain. The river is believed to have reached its current bed due to the influence of streams flowing from the south, as indicated by traces of former channels and abandoned meanders. These physical geographical features have rendered Dikili relatively low in elevation, fertile, and rich in alluvial deposits.
The region generally experiences a Mediterranean climate. According to long-term averages, the annual mean temperature in Dikili is 16.4 °C, while the summer average is 24.8 °C. This creates a favorable climate for summer tourism. The average annual precipitation is approximately 636 mm, most of which occurs during the winter months. Low rainfall during the summer provides suitable conditions for seaside tourism.
Furthermore, meteorological data spanning 60 years indicate that the average number of "clear days" per year is 160.5. The number of sunny days in the summer reaches a total of 70.5, which is another factor enhancing tourism potential. The average sea water temperature is 18.3 °C, offering an suitable environment for marine tourism. In terms of natural vegetation, there are 25,000 hectares of forested area consisting of pine, oak, and maquis scrub. However, a portion of these areas has been degraded over time due to dense settlement and agricultural activities.
Aerial View of Dikili District (Dikili Belediyesi)
Historical Development and Archaeological Sites
Dikili and its surroundings have been settlement areas on the western coast of Anatolia since prehistoric times. Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered pottery fragments dating back to the 8th century BCE, indicating that the area has hosted human habitation from very early periods. In antiquity, Dikili played a strategic role as the port of the Kingdom of Pergamon (present-day Bergama). Alongside other prominent cities on the Aegean coast, the region functioned as a center for both trade and military operations.
Two important settlements from this period are Pitane (modern-day Çandarlı) and Elaia (modern-day Zeytindağ). Pitane became a major hub for maritime transportation and commerce due to its extensive port facilities. The Çandarlı Castle, constructed in the 14th century and restored in 1957, remains well-preserved and retains its historical identity. Elaia, founded by the Athenians after the Trojan Wars, served as a naval base during the Kingdom of Pergamon. The remains of the city, now located several kilometers inland, reflect the historical development of the Bakırçay Delta.
Throughout history, the region has been home to many civilizations, including the Hittites, Achaeans, Lydians, Persians, Mysians, Macedonians, the Kingdom of Pergamon, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, the Beylik of Karasi, and the Ottomans. This diversity has made Dikili a multi-layered area of cultural and archaeological heritage. Due to its proximity to Pergamon, Dikili held an important role in port and hinterland relations, particularly during Antiquity. Ancient sources mention trade routes extending inland from the Dikili coast, actively used for caravan transport. Goods transported along these routes facilitated not only economic exchange but also cultural interaction.
Located on the Bergama–Dikili highway, the site known in antiquity as Aterneus (modern Ağıllıkale) was established atop Kaletepe at an elevation of 177 meters. Its ruins, dating back to the 5th–4th centuries BCE, have survived to the present day. This settlement is recognized as one of the commercial and administrative centers of the Hellenistic period in the region. The remnants of Aterneus’s fortifications, examples of stone masonry, and its defensible location suggest that the site served both military and administrative functions.
Historical documents and traveler accounts note that Venetian and Genoese ships that stopped at coastal cities such as Pitane and Elaia contributed to the revitalization of coastal trade. Goods transported from these ports inland were carried through the Bakırçay Basin toward Dinar, Yalvaç, and Konya, reaching the interior of Anatolia. These trade routes also facilitated cultural exchanges between Dikili and various layers of Anatolian civilization.
Today, this historical depth can be observed in the region’s ancient city ruins, sarcophagi, inscriptions, and architectural fragments. Limited surface surveys conducted at some of the region’s mounds suggest that more extensive excavations could reveal information about even earlier periods in Dikili’s history.
Tourism Activities
Dikili possesses tourism potential due to its natural beaches, geothermal resources, and historical sites. Tourism activities in the district are generally divided into coastal and cultural tourism. A high influx of visitors is observed during the summer months, primarily aiming to benefit from the sea and sun. In 2003, Dikili Beach received the Blue Flag award, indicating that the area met specific standards for environmental cleanliness and water quality.
Coastal villages such as Çandarlı, Bademli, Denizköy, and Merdivenköy are also areas where tourism is more prominent. Additionally, thermal sites such as Nebiler, Bademli, and the Dikili hot springs support spa tourism. According to 2002 data, Dikili had 571 rooms and 1,192 beds, while Çandarlı had accommodation facilities with a capacity of 745 beds.
Tourism in the region began in the 1980s with residents renting out their homes and gradually evolved into a more professional structure with the development of guesthouses. The proliferation of summer residences led to population increases during the summer, accompanied by the expansion of service sectors such as restaurants, cafes, and retail establishments.
In 2003, the total number of tourists who stayed in Dikili was recorded as 11,031. Of these, 26% were foreign and 74% were domestic visitors. The average length of stay was 1.8 days, indicating that Dikili is often chosen as a transit stop by tourists en route to destinations further south. The seasonal population increase during the summer months raises demand in the service sector, contributing to the local economy.
