Aydin was called Güzelhisar ("Beautiful Castle") under the Turkmen Mentese emirs in the 13th century. Renamed for the 14th-century ruling dynasty of Aydin, it was annexed to the Ottoman Empire about 1390. Timur (Tamerlane), who conquered it in 1402, reestablished the principality of Aydin; but it was soon recaptured by the Ottomans. The city was heavily damaged in September 1922 when the retreating Greeks set it afire as a final gesture before they surrendered to the Turkish nationalists. The city's historical buildings include mosques and a theological school. A Roman gymnasium (4th century BC), a marble column, and the theatre are the only remains of Tralles. 

MENDERES VALLEY
The Menderes Valley, formed by the Menderes (Meander) river has been the cradle of many civilizations. This region offers a variety of beauties all at once. Lake Camici (Bafa) is a secret camping spot, hidden amidst the pines, olives and oleanders facing the five peaks of the Besparmak Mountains on the eastern slopes on which are the ruins of Alinda. The ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia are closer to the lake giving campers by the lake the chance to the sightseeing.

This fertile valley has sheltered many important cities of past civilizations the remains of which still preserve their grandeur  and dignity.

Aphrodisias
An antique city situated near the Karacasu-Aydın province, was established in the name of Goddess Aphrodite. It continued to be a great center of inbatiance from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine Preiod (2800 B.C. - 220 A.D.). During excavations, the Aphrodite Temple, Odeon, Statium and agora, and the city baths have been revaled. Aphrodisias was well known during the Early Age as a center of sculpture. The Aphrodisias Stadium is one of the best preserved stadiums among the antique city stadiums in Anatolia.