population: 1.2 million

extension: 7,973.01 square kilometers

Museums

Great! In Aydın, Turkey, you can visit the Aydın Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. It has a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Tralles (modern-day Aydın) and the surrounding region, dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.

If you are interested in visiting other museums nearby, you may consider traveling to İzmir, which is about 130km away from Aydın and has several museums. Some of the notable ones include İzmir Archaeology Museum, İzmir Ethnography Museum, and Atatürk Museum.

Food

Aydın is known for its rich culinary tradition, and here are some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes you should try according to local people:

1. Kuyu Kebabı: This traditional dish consists of lamb meat that is marinated with herbs and spices, then cooked in a deep pit over charcoal fire. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that is usually served with pita bread and grilled vegetables.

2. Keşkek: This is a hearty and filling dish made from wheat grains, meat (usually lamb), and chickpeas. The ingredients are boiled together for several hours until they form a thick and creamy porridge-like texture. It is typically served with garlic yogurt or tomato sauce.

3. İncirli Kurabiye: This is a sweet cookie made with figs and walnuts. The figs are finely chopped and mixed with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter to create a dense and crumbly texture. It's a perfect sweet treat to enjoy with tea or coffee.

4. Zeytinyağlı Enginar: This is an artichoke dish cooked in olive oil. The artichokes are stuffed with a mixture of onions, rice, and herbs, then simmered in a tomato-based sauce. It's a healthy and tasty vegetarian option that's popular in Aydın.

5. Kabak Tatlısı: This is a classic Turkish dessert made from pumpkin slices that are cooked in syrup until they become soft and tender. It's often topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon or chopped nuts.

These are just a few examples of Aydın's delicious cuisine. Be sure to explore the local markets and restaurants to discover more regional specialties!

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people like to do in Aydın, Turkey:

1. Explore the ancient city of Tralles: Aydın was once known as Tralles and was an important city in ancient times. You can explore the ruins of ancient Tralles, such as the Roman theater and the Nysa Gate.

2. Visit the local markets: Aydın has several local markets where you can find fresh produce, spices, clothing, and more. The most famous market is the Aydın Kurşunlu Market, which is open on Saturdays.

3. Go hiking: Aydın has many beautiful hiking trails, such as the Bozdoğan Trail and the Sazak Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the countryside and mountains surrounding Aydın.

4. Try local cuisine: Aydın has a rich culinary tradition, and local dishes include lamb cooked in a tandır (clay oven), stuffed zucchini flowers, and börek (savory pastry). You can try these dishes at local restaurants or cafes.

5. Attend cultural festivals: Aydın hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Aydın International Tourism and Art Festival and the Didim International Blue Cruise Festival. These festivals showcase local music, dance, and art.