Menteşe, Kavaklıdere
Menteşe | |
|---|---|
Town | |
| Country |  Turkey |
| Province | Muğla Province |
| Districts of Turkey | Kavaklıdere |
| Elevation | 785 m (2,575 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 2,356 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 48580 |
| Area code | 0252 |
| Licence plate | 48 |
Menteşe (former Genek) is a town in Kavaklıdere district of Muğla Province, Turkey.
Geography
The town is situated in the forests of South West Anatolia at 37°25′N 28°26′E / 37.417°N 28.433°E. The distance to Kavaklıdere is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) . The population of the town is 2,356 as of 2011.[1]
History
In antiquity, the area around Menteşe was a part of Karia. In 1270, it became a part of Seljuks of Turkey which was in the state of disintegration. It was named after a Turkmen leader named Menteşe. In 1424 the area was incorporated into Ottoman realm. The exact foundation date of the settlement is not known. But according to tradition the settlement was founded by a tribe leader named Çoban Yürük Hacı Mehmet Şeyh. Settlement was declared a seat of township in 1972.[2]
Economy
The economy of the town depends on agriculture as well as small industry. Hickory nut, chesnut and cherry are among the main crops. Carpet weaving, copper works and whitesmithing are the small industries of the town.[2]