Time Zone |
Europe/Istanbul |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Europe/Bucharest |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Ala-Shehir is a historic city in the western Turkish province of Manisa, located in the Gediz Valley, about 30 kilometers from the Aegean coast. The city is about 95 meters above sea level and has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Ala-Sheikhil, known as "Philadelphia", was an important city of the ancient Lydian Kingdom, founded in the 2nd century B.C. by King Attalos II of Pagama. As one of the Seven Churches, it is mentioned in the Book of Revelation and is rich in early Christian history. During the Ottoman period, it became a center of multiculturalism and retains a large number of traditional Greek and Turkish buildings.
Modern-day Ala-Shehir is known for its agriculture and textiles, and is an important fig, grape and olive producing region in Turkey. The region is renowned for its handmade carpets and traditional copper craftsmanship. The ruins of Roman-era walls, Byzantine churches and Ottoman baths can still be seen in the city center, attracting history and culture buffs to explore.
Visitors can visit the ruins of St. John's Church, the 14th-century Ulu Mosque, and the well-preserved old Ottoman neighborhoods. The annual Grape Festival, held in September, is an excellent time to experience local folklore and culture. World Heritage sites such as Ephesus and Pagama are easily accessible from Ala-Sheikhil.
Deva is the capital of Hunedoara County in western Romania, located on the banks of the river Mureş, with a population of about 60,000 people. The city is famous for the hilltop Deva Castle, a 13th-century fortress perched on a volcanic cone that offers panoramic views and symbolizes the history of the region. The economy of Dva is based on industry and services, and it is also a transportation hub, connecting it to the Carpathian region.
Dva has a long history, first recorded in 1269, and was once a fortress of the Kingdom of Hungary. The city retains medieval buildings such as the castle and the Church of the Holy Cross. Culturally, Deva has museums, theaters, and is close to the ruins of the Dacian civilization, reflecting Romania's diverse heritage. The city is known for its mild continental climate with four distinct seasons, making it suitable for tourism.
Deva is a natural gateway for exploring the Carpathian Mountains, with the nearby Retezat National Park for hiking and eco-tourism. The city life is peaceful and has a good infrastructure, offering educational and medical resources. As an important regional center of Romania, Deva blends history and modernity, attracting visitors to experience its unique charm.