SULTANHİSAR
Sultanhisar is located to the east of Aydın city center, on the Aydın–Denizli highway, approximately 30 km from Aydın. The district is bordered by Nazilli to the east, Köşk to the west, Yenipazar to the south, and Ödemiş to the north.
Sultanhisar was established on the lands of the Pelasgians in antiquity. One of the world’s significant ceremonial sites, the ancient city of Nysa, is located 3 km from the district center and lies within the municipal boundaries of Sultanhisar. The history of Nysa dates back to the 3rd century BC.
The arrival of the Turkmen (Khorasanians) in this region dates back to the 1200s. Between 1270 and 1307, the area became part of the Menteşe Principality. Sultanhisar remained under the rule of the Aydınoğlu Principality from 1307 to 1390, and under the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire from 1390 to 1922.
Sultanhisar takes its name from a fortress built by Mehmet Bey, the founder of the Aydınoğlu Principality, in honor of his sister Nilüfer Sultan. Since this district was founded through Nilüfer Sultan’s legacy, it was named “Sultanhisar”.
Since ancient times, Sultanhisar has remained an important location due to its position on major trade routes such as the “Royal Road,” “Silk Road,” and “Great Road.” Along with its unique climate and natural assets, the district has also preserved its significance as an important center of culture and art.
During the Turkish War of Independence, Sultanhisar served as one of the key resistance centers of the Kuva-yi Milliye (National Forces). The fact that Yörük Ali Efe was from Kavaklı Village of Sultanhisar further highlights the district’s importance in the national struggle. For this reason, Sultanhisar experienced difficult times during the War of Independence; it was burned and devastated by occupying forces, and its people suffered great pain and oppression.