Didim is a seaside resort in western Turkey. It is named for the ancient Greek sanctuary of Didyma, which is well-preserved enough to be considered a popular tourist destination in its own right.

What Are Some Interesting Things about Didim?

Here are some fun facts about Didim.

The City Has Had Several Names

Didim didn’t get renamed Didim until 1997. The town was called either Yoran or Yoranda under the Ottoman Empire. Later, it was called Hisar, meaning “castle,” and then Yenihisar meaning “new castle,” when it had to be rebuilt following an earthquake in 1955. Yenihisar is a very common name in Turkey, which is why the town wound up being renamed Didim for Didyma.

It’s Situated Close to the Ruins of Miletus

Speaking of which, Didyma isn’t the only historical site of interest that can be found close to Didim. After all, the sanctuary fell within the domains of Miletus, so it should come as no surprise to learn that the ruins of Miletus are nearby as well.

Miletus was once a star of the ancient Greek world, meaning that it has a place of prominence in ancient Greek history. To name an example, it was home to the philosophers Thales, Anaximander and Anaximenes, who are still called the Milesian school by scholars.

Agriculture Remains Important

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the tourism sector is extremely important for Didim, particularly in summertime. However, agriculture remains an important sector as well. Wheat and cotton make up the bulk of the harvest, while livestock such as goats and sheep are reared for local consumption.