Turkey is rightly renown for its fabulous beaches, wonderful food and warm welcome, making it a top destination for UK holiday makers. It does also however have a fascinating archaeological history and is rich in ancient sites that are well worth including in a holiday itinerary. I’d like to introduce you to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey that I hope you’ll have the chance to visit.
Stratonikeia
Just this week, I visited Stratonikeia which is located near Milas in the south-west of Turkey and is important for its rich historical and archaeological significance. The ancient city served as a key centre in the region during Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Stratonikeia is known for its well-preserved ruins, including an amphitheatre, agora, and Roman baths. You should allow around an hour to walk around the whole site although you could easily spend much more time if you take a more leisurely approach, having rest stops at the café or gift shop. As well as the ancient ruins from millennia ago there are more recent remains of the mixed Turkish and Greek community of Eskihisar that lived here until just over a hundred years ago. The mixture of evidence of a succession of communities on this site make it all the more interesting and enjoyable to visit.
Aphrodisias
Last year I visited Aphrodisias, located near the village of Geyre about 3 hours southwest of Izmir. It is also an ancient city of great historical and archaeological significance. The city was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and was known for its magnificent temples and sculptures. Aphrodisias was a centre of art and culture in the ancient world, particularly during the Roman period. The city was renowned for its marble quarries, which produced some of the finest white marble in the region, used for creating exquisite sculptures and architectural elements.
Aphrodisias is important for its well-preserved ruins, which provide valuable insights into the daily life, art, and architecture of the ancient city. The city’s Stadium is awe inspiring; you can almost hear the chariots racing around its circuit. The theatre, and temple of Aphrodite are among the notable structures that showcase the city’s grandeur and cultural significance. Additionally, Aphrodisias was home to renowned sculptors and artists, such as the famous sculptor, Damophon, whose works have been found throughout the city.
Today, Aphrodisias serves as a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the ancient city and offers a glimpse into the vibrant past of Aphrodisias.
Ephesus
Probably the best-known archaeological site in Turkey is Ephesus. It is now more than ten years since my last visit to Ephesus and a return visit is well overdue.
Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey’s Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. The ancient site holds immense historical and cultural significance. Ephesus was once a thriving city in the Roman Empire, known for its strategic location, impressive architecture, and vibrant cultural life. One of the most iconic structures in Ephesus was the Temple of Artemis, a grand monument dedicated to the Greek goddess of hunting. This temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, showcasing the city’s wealth and influence.
Ephesus also played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. The apostle Paul visited the city and wrote letters to the Ephesians, contributing to the early Christian community there. The city’s prominence in the biblical narrative has made it a significant pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. Such pilgrimages are enhanced by the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived nearby and died here as she was cared for by St. John, local Christians believe.
Today, the ancient site of Ephesus attracts pilgrims, tourists, historians, and archaeologists alike. The well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer a glimpse into the city’s past glory, with highlights including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Terrace Houses. By exploring Ephesus, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of this ancient city.
I hope this short introduction to the ancient archaeological sites in Turkey has to offer has inspired you to include a visit to one of them on your next trip to this beautiful holiday destination.
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