Foca's history goes back to 11th century BC. For cenrturıes various civilization thrived on its soil. Driving down the hill in to Foca you are mesmerized by a birds eye view. Beyond terracotta rooftops where sky and sea mixed in one beautiful blue,small and large islands all lined up to take your breath away. As you approach the city at first clean sea breeze hits you then you find your self in a most tranquil journey of your life.
Foca had been selected for a pilot program to protect Monachus-Monachus seals and this antique city is one of the 13environmentally protected special region in (Turkiye)Turkey. Also Foca was selected and given 1998 Henry Ford environment protection award.
 
Foca historically called Phocaea, gets its name from seal, was established by Aioli in 11th century BC. Ion settlements corresponds around 9th century. Phocaean's were famous in navigational skills thus enable them to excel in the field of trade and commerce. They were the ones who established first colonies. Marseilles, Nice , Antibes, Ampuria ,Amysos(Samsun) were among many. Thus Phocaea had became a mother city. Phocaea was one of the first cities of Ionia having printed Electron coin which they combined a natural gold and silver alloy. In 546 BC with Persian occupation majority of population deserted the city. 334 BC Alexander The Great ended Persian occupation with this Hellenistic era started. After the Alexander's death Phocaea became host city to Kingdom of Pergamom ,Romans,Genoese and center for early Christian bishopric. By13th century they were managed by Cakabeys later by Saruhanbeys.1455 Sultan Mehmet declared Phocaea to be a Ottoman territory. Even if we know nothing about it's history you get a sense of historical important as we walk through this beautiful town. Cobble stone streets, restored old antique stone houses, volcanic in nature Siren Rocks... Sirens were told and written by Homer as mythological creator with birds body and women's head lived here, with the magical music they executed resulted passer by ships to collide.
Promenading by the clean bay you see friendly faces, fishermen's all lined up with fishing gears in their boats prepare for next fishing day. This most hospitable city has one of the finest fresh seafood in Aegean.
On the sea front , Cafe`s are so inviting , you can't resist. You'll find yourself sitting in one of those cafe's sipping on your beverage of your choice drawn in to conversation and connecting with people. they'll tell you stories some real some imaginary.There is a (black stone) story people have told down the centuries. No one knows where and how it is but if one steps on a black stone is forever captured by Focas beauty and in their life time they will sure to return and live remaining their lives here.Opinion of most feel that once in this tranquil city you watch its sunset, and eat its fish, meet with congenial residence you have no need to look for black stone but its good to know its there.
Emel Erturk