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THE PRIDE OF KUSADASI: THE MARITIME TRADE HISTORY EXHIBITION AREA HOSTED OVER 224,000 VISITORS IN 2 YEARS
The "Maritime Trade History Exhibition Area," established by the Kuşadası Municipality in the historical Güvercinada Castle, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is attracting great interest from both domestic and foreign visitors. Shedding light on a broad historical journey from Rome to the Ottoman Empire, the exhibition area is not just a museum; it stands out as a fascinating gateway through time, carrying the traces of the past to the present.
In line with Kuşadası—the jewel of Aegean tourism—aiming to become a ‘city of museums’, the exhibition area established by Mayor Ömer Günel approximately two years ago transports visitors back to centuries past with its historic atmosphere and unique location. Since its opening, the “Maritime Trade History Exhibition Area”, which operates within the Güvercinada (Pigeon Island) Open-Air Museum and has welcomed a total of 224,740 visitors to date, has become a must-visit destination for both local and international tourists.
The exhibition area, which showcases the changes the maritime culture has undergone over the centuries, displays historical objects used in maritime trade, trade seals, fishing equipment, and maritime-related objects from different periods. Artifacts bearing traces from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods not only offer visitors a visual feast but also provide important information about the history of maritime trade in Anatolia.
THE NUMBER OF VISITORS IS INCREASING EVERY DAY
The Maritime Trade History Exhibition Area, which makes a significant contribution to Kuşadası's cultural tourism, hosted a total of 30,901 visitors between January and April 2026. The busiest period for the exhibition area was April, influenced by the spring months. The high visitor numbers were particularly noticeable on weekends and on days when cruise ships docked at the port.
FULL MARKS FROM ITS VISITORS
Visitors from various cities across Türkiye who came to Kuşadası stated that they were greatly impressed by the atmosphere of the exhibition area. Expressing that they had a unique experience immersed in history, the guests, expressing their admiration, said;
“When we came here, we felt like we were in a magical environment. It was truly impressive to examine historical artifacts we had never seen before and to feel the traces of those periods. If we hadn't come to Kuşadası, we probably wouldn't have had the chance to see these historical remains”
FREE ADMISSION DURING MUSEUMS WEEK
Kuşadası Municipality is implementing a special program for history and culture enthusiasts as part of Museums Week. Until 10 PM on Monday, May 18th, the Historical Güvercinada Castle and the Maritime Trade History Exhibition Area will be open to all visitors free of charge.
