Its original Greek name, Agios Theológos referred to John the
Theologian. Under the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Ayasoluk(Ottoman
Turkish: Ayasluğ). In 1914, it was renamed Selçuk after the Seljuk Turks
who first led incursions into the region in the 12th century.
It was
a township in Kuşadası district till 1954 andTorbalı between 1954-1957.
It finally became a district in 1957. Its neighbours are Torbalı from
north, Tire from northeast, Germencik from east, Kuşadası from south,
Aegean Sea from west and Menderes (formerly Cumaovası) from northwest.
Selçuk
is one of the most visited touristic destinations within Turkey, known
for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin
Mary and Seljuk works of art. The 6th century Basilica of St. John the
Apostle, which, some claim, is built on the site of the Apostle's tomb,
is also inside the town. The old quarter of Selçuk remains generally
retaining traditional Turkish culture and locality.
Ayasoluk Hill
dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its
slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosque built by the Seljuk Turks in 1375,
and the Grand Fortress
