- published: 29 Sep 2015
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Aydın (pronounced [ˈajdɯn]; eye-din; formerly named Güzelhisar and Tralles) is a city in and the seat of Aydın Province in Turkey's Aegean Region. The city is located at the heart of the lower valley of Büyük Menderes River (ancient Meander River) at a commanding position for the region extending from the uplands of the valley down to the seacoast. Its population was 188337 in 2010. Aydın city is located along a region which was famous for its fertility and productivity since ancient times. Figs remain the province's best-known crop, although other agricultural products are also grown intensively and the city has some light industry.
At the crossroads of a busy transport network of several types, a six-lane motorway connects Aydın to İzmir, Turkey's second port in less than an hour, and in less still to the international Adnan Menderes Airport located along the road between the two cities. The region of Aydın also pioneered the introduction of railways into Turkey in the 19th century and still has the densest railroad network.