The ancient city of Erythrai was an important Ionian city on the east coast of the Aegean Sea, northeast of Çeşme. Çeşme, formerly known as Cyssus, was the port city of Erythrai.
The area now known as Ildırı is 22 kilometers from the center of Çeşme.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, it is believed that this city got its name from the red color of its soil. It is known that this town, where trade was prominent, was once famous for the grinding stones it produced and exported. Excavations in this area were started in 1964 by Prof. Ekrem Akurgal.
The theater discovered during these excavations, dating back to the 3rd century BC, was carved into the hillside. The aqueducts in the south date to the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) period.
Excavations uncovered the Temple of Athena dated to the 7th century BC and mentioned by Pausanias. The temple was damaged in 540 BC. It is known that it was renovated around 530 BC.
Remains of villas and settlement walls from Hellenistic and Roman times can still be seen.
Recently, the Ildırı Culture and Art Festival has been organized in the ancient city of Erythrai at the end of August to raise awareness about the archaeological site and to revitalize agriculture. The festival attracts people of all ages with its music festivals, theaters, seminars and workshops. In this festival, products and handicrafts made by local people at home without using any technical tools are exhibited and sold.