THERMAL TOURISM IN ÇEŞME

It is known that Turkey surrounded by seas on three sides with long shoreline bringing diverse climatic conditions is an attractive country due to its coast and culture tourism. Also it has a big potential of thermal tourism to the extent that it can be listed among the firstten countries with the richest resources ali overthe world. İts uniqueness in terms of flow and temperature, physical-chemical features, in other words guality, of the thermal waters in comparison to those in Europe has been proved. With curative influence, thermal and spring and drinking water resources play an important role in domestic and internationai tourism of many European countries. The Aegean Region and İzmir have the richest thermal resources since the very beginning of history.

İzmir coastline has a grand potential thanks to the convenient climate allowing touristic activities throughout the whole year in addition to the historical and cultural assets. The thermal resources in İzmir are predominantly located in the town İzmir, Balçova, Seferihisar in the south, Çeşme in the west, Urla, Dikili in the north, and Bergama. Especially Çeşme thermal area is the most popular and favourable area with its suitable geographical location, transportation facilities, coast-beach features and climatic conditions.

"Magma was challenging the rock walls thousands of meters below the surface; however, God had not angered it so that it damaged the Earth. Thus, God would block all ways but one for him: Magma would push the underground water resources after emitting all organic and chemical substances it includes into the water expanded all over the area it runs....!

Here is Çeşme; where the God became generous and the Aegean peninsula extending to the Chios. We should be aware of the lovely land we have because fertile lands of Anatolia are also famous for thermal water resources donating health and good yield. Many of the roads to our lovely country lead to Çeşme Peninsula. Therefore, tourism facilities in Çeşme go beyond the established concept; the town is also very reputable for thermal springs and good health-giving opportunities. While we were wandering around in Çeşme, we heard many stories about it from many people. Stories... Pashas visited Çeşme and were cured. Disabled children, paralyzed people visited Çeşme; all healed thanks to the thermal water resource springing from thousands of meters under the ground.

Health Tourism in Çeşme/Advantages of Thermal Tourism
1. The thermal water spring in Çeşme is salty, which kills pain resulting from rheumatic illnesses and painful muscle and joint illnesses.
2. There are two types of mud in Çeşme: one is the curative soil derived from thermal areas with tufa, the other is the marsh mud coming out in areas of thermal waterflow. It can befound in Şifne.
3. The most important advantage of Çeşme Town in terms of climatic conditions, that is climatheraphy, is the continuous windy weather. That clean air is energizing people with high oxygen pressure makes Çeşme advantageous with mountain tourism atmosphere.
4. It is a fact that controlled use of sun shine results in desirable health effects on human organism. It has various effects such as promoting child development, and curing osteoporosis.
5. Since the sea sand in Çeşme is composed of fine silicon particles, it reflects sun shine to a reasonably high extent. So it is possible to enjoy sun shine twice.
6. Also as Çeşme is a peninsula in geographical terms, all hotels are suitable for talassotherapy.
7. The hotels that serve to tourists throughout the whole year are not designed like thermal facilities, thus they provide an atmosphere of holiday for tourists beside thermal facilities. Half of the discomfort that tourists feel start to disappear as they enter hotels.

Diseases that thermal water resources in Çeşme cure can be listed as follows:
1- Muscle-Joint
-Bone lllnesses
-Rheumatic lllnesses
-Degenerative joint problems
-Softtissuerheumatism
-Post-operation therapies
-Post-orthopedic operation therapies
-Post-traumatic injury therapies
2- Skin problems
-Eczema
-Psoriasis
-Acne
-Neurodermatitis
3- Heart-Circulation System diseases

Ilıca and Şifne thermal hot springs
It is time of the most interesting thermal branch leading to Çeşme Peninsula: The branch is resource of water that boils at 60 degrees in the sea beyond the closed port leading to Ilıca Cove and that springs out of the ground after receiving salt and fertility of the sea. It is known as Yıldızburnu. Actually I find it similar to Asklepiyon, where gladiators were cured. A great oracle... I observed people enjoying themselves there. All had glittering eyes. As one says Ilıca Thermal, let's not mention free branches of it. This precious water resource used within the theory concept and other projects implemented for Çeşme awaits for its guests at special hotels in Ilıca. Tanother branch of the thermal extends to Şifne. There are many well-built facilities in Şifne. Şifne is famous for both its thermal baths and mud baths. Here I am describing a peninsula for you. It dedicated anything it has to people: Weather, water, soil, food, etc. When entering a thermal pool, I thank to God for a sincere friend coming out of the underground. I love Çeşme very much.

Çeşme Hot springs: Çeşme Hot Springs on the coastline 5 km further from Çeşme on İzmir-Çeşme Road are among the most interesting and unique hot springs ali över the World as the hot spring and beach both are located in one single place. Water temperature is around 58 degrees. It cures many diseases and illnesses such as all chronical types of rheumatism, gut, obesity, rickets, gynecological diseases, skin diseases, painful illnesses on liver and urinary tract. Also there are modern accommodation facilities around the Hot Spring. One can go to Çeşme Hot Springs by taking buses departing at Üçkuyular.

Şifne (Reisdere) Hot Spring and Mud: Şifne Gulf is situated on a small peninsula situated 5 km from Çeşme Hot Springs in the northwest. There are various accommodation facilities and restaurants on the peninsula. The resource is very good for treating rheumatism, rickets, gynecological diseases and urinary tract, stomach, intestines diseases, and skin diseases like eczema, and blood carbuncle.