Türkiye
Economy
Opinion
World
Arts & Life
Sports
Photo
Turkey's 'Little Venice' deserted amid pandemic
Turkey's 'Little Venice' deserted amid pandemic
The Gölyazı neighborhood of Turkey's northwestern province of Bursa is experiencing its most calm days due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. (AA Photo)
Dubbed as "Little Venice," the history of Gölyazı dates back some 2,300 years.
Being the oldest settlement in Nilüfer and full of historical ruins, the ancient city of Apollonia, today’s Gölyazı, was claimed to be established in the 4th century B.C., and mentioned in resources from the 1st century B.C.
The city, which was initially attached to the Bithynia Prelacy during the Byzantine period, afterwards was attached to Nicomedia (İzmit) and the Kios (Gemlik) Prelacy. In this period the city was named Theotokia.
When the Ottomans won the Bafeum War in 1302, they took refuge in Lopadion and came before Apollonia ad Ryndacum for the first time. They stepped back when there was a surrender agreement with the landlord and only captured the Alyos Island within the lake.
The son of Aygutalp, who was a fellow soldier of Osman Gazi, conquered the island and as a result the connection between Apollonia ad Ryndacum with Lopadion and thus with the Byzantines was lost.
The name Apolyont was changed to Gölyazı in the republican period.
ALL PHOTOS
Global South needs $2 trillion a year to tame, cope with climate
Winter arrives in Turkey as snowfall hits metropolises
Kütahya province welcomes winter with snowfall
Ancient Dara captivates tourists
Ancient Patara lures visitors
Enchanting sunset scenery from 'Little Venice'
Blanket of snow covers renowned crater lake
Frozen Lake Çıldır lures visitors
Postcard-like winter views from Turkey's Bitlis
