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 |
Asia/Yerevan |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
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.
Sevan is a small town in the Armenian province of Gegharkunik, located in the eastern part of the country on the shores of Lake Sevan, about 66 kilometers from the capital city of Yerevan. The town is famous for its eponymous alpine lake, Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Eurasia, at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level, which is known as the "Pearl of Armenia".
Lake Sevan is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and crystal clear waters, making it an important tourist and recreational destination in Armenia. The town boasts historical monuments such as the Sevan Monastery, a 9th-century monastery situated on a peninsula overlooking the lake, which attracts many tourists and pilgrims. The local economy is based on fishing, tourism and agriculture, and the climate is cool enough for summer vacations.
With a population of around 20,000, the town of Sevan retains its traditional Armenian culture, while the infrastructure is constantly being improved to provide accommodation and catering services. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the nature and history of the Caucasus and is easily accessible for short trips.