Called as Cyssus in the antic era, it is believed the modern name of Çeşme comes from "fountain" ("çeşme" in Turkish) referring to fountains the mariners used to stock water. Because one of the most important characteristics of Çeşme is its potable water and its harbour. It is known that Erythrai who had a very well protected harbour here had relationships and developed its trade with Egypt, Cyprus and western countries. As an internationally known and prominent tourism centres of Turkey, the people of Çeşme and its vicinity live intimately with remains of Erythrai (Ildırı), one of the 12 Ion confederations of antic era.
Çeşme has lived under dominion of Lydia, Persia, Kingdom of Pergamum, Rome and Byzantium. One of the most important factors in prominence of Çeşme Harbour is the fact that it is closest and safest port on Anatolian shores against the Chios Island. Therefore, this harbour has been able to maintain a lively trade life through centuries.
From the second half of 3rd century to early 14th century the harbour has seen effects of Genoans who has left their mark on the trade life of Western Anatolia. In the same period of time the region has come under dominion of Çaka Bey for a time, but this did not last long.
TURKISH DOMINION PERIOD
In early 14th century the forays pioneered by Aydınoğulları rapidly showed results and Çeşme Harbour became a sea base. Later the region came under dominion of the Principality of İzmir under Umur Bey, who wished to keep the trade at this harbour under his own control, and therefore he sent the Genoans to the Chios Island which he deemed to be under his dominion. Trade relations with Genoans who remained on the island would occur on naturally developing conditions. By settlement of the Chios Island by Genoans in 1330 Çeşme Harbour which had the most suitable corresponding position once again gained importance, and led to maintenance of trade with the Genoans under naturally developing conditions. Çeşme was added to Ottoman lands by (Yıldırım) Beyazıd the First for the first time. However, it was returned to Aydınoğulları by Timur after the Ankara Battle (1402). While a small trade centre selling Western Anatolian products, from the late 17th century on İzmir suddenly claimed trade superiority, and thus the Çeşme Harbour has lost ground and importance against the İzmir Harbour.
While the Ottoman Empire was governed by a commonwealth system for long centuries, sweeping changes were made on 08 November 1864 in the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, and these changes were implemented by the adopted laws. Accordingly, Çeşme, which was a township of İzmir County of Aydın Province became a county governorship. Like in many Western Anatolian harbour towns, Çeşme had a larger Greek population than its Turkish population. Greek people has developed vineyards and wine industry in the region, and engaged in agriculture of seedless red grapes as well as wheat and other grains. Cultivation of anise and root dyes has also begun. During the Turkish War of Independence, at the time of Liberation of İzmir from Greek Occupation on 09 September 1922 and at the time of Liberation of Çeşme from Greek Occupation, the Greek population of the region has moved to Greece. Later, population exchange was conducted under the Lausanne Convention of 24 July 1923.
REPUBLIC PERIOD
Used as a military sea base as Çaka Bey, the first Turkish Admiral, Çeşme has also been an important trade port in the Ottoman Era, and the last port the Ottoman Fleet used to launch from in their annual expeditions. Today, marine commute lines regularly run from Çeşme customs to the Greek islands.
Resource: www.kultur.gov.tr
