Birgi is an ancient settlement located in the Ödemiş district of İzmir, at the foothills of the Boz Mountains (Boz Dağlar). Its history dates back to antiquity, and it boasts a rich cultural heritage. During the Byzantine period, it became a bishopric center and was referred to as “Pyrgion.” This name, meaning “small tower” or “castle” in Greek, appeared in bishopric records for the first time during this period.
Following the Battle of Manzikert, which initiated the Turkification of Anatolia, Birgi served as the capital of the Aydinid Principality for approximately a century. In 1426, with the incorporation of the Aydinid Principality into the Ottoman Empire, Birgi also came under Ottoman rule.
As a former principality capital, Birgi holds a significant place in Turkish history with landmarks such as the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii also known as Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Camii) and the mausoleums of the Aydinid Dynasty’s rulers. The town reflects a synthesis of Beyliks’ and Ottoman architectural styles while also preserving elements of previous civilizations through spolia (reused building materials) in its structures.
In the latter half of the 16th century, Birgi became an important center for education and culture when Birgivi Mehmed Efendi, a renowned scholar of his time, settled there and worked as a professor at the local madrasah. Students from across the country traveled to Birgi to study under him. Although originally from Balıkesir, Mehmed Efendi became closely associated with Birgi, earning the title “Birgivi.” He passed away during a trip to İstanbul in 1572, and his body was brought back to Birgi for burial.
Archival records reveal that Birgi was home to influential families engaged in the olive oil trade and silk weaving, holding vast lands and economic power. One of these figures, Derviş Ağa, left a lasting legacy in the 17th century with the foundations he established and the construction of the Derviş Ağa Mosque (Derviş Ağa Camii) and Derviş Ağa Madrasah (Derviş Ağa Medresesi). Additionally, in the 19th century, Çakıroğlu Şerif Ali Ağa, another notable resident of Birgi, built the Çakır Ağa Mansion, a structure renowned for its wall paintings, ceiling decorations, and intricate woodwork. Its remarkably well-preserved mansion is a rare example of period architecture, offering insights into Birgi’s prosperity.
During the final phase of the Greek occupation, a great fire—similar to the Great Fire of İzmir—broke out in Birgi, affecting a significant part of the town. Later, in 1939, a flood and in 1944, an earthquake further impacted Birgi. In response, a reconstruction plan was developed in 1947 to preserve and restore the town’s historical and cultural fabric.
Having retained its old Turkish town identity better than many other Western Anatolian settlements, Birgi has gained international recognition for its well-preserved heritage. In 2012, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, and in 2022, it was selected as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).