A City with Lydian Roots

According to the famed ancient geographer Strabo of Amasya, the Kibyrans were originally from Lydia before migrating to the Kabalis region, where they established a vast settlement with a perimeter of 100 stadia. Archaeological excavations and sources reveal that Kibyra possessed a strong military character — commanding over 30,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry — and displayed some of the longest gladiator friezes known from antiquity in Turkey.

Its strategic position made Kibyra the judicial center for 25 nearby cities, while its mastery of horse breeding earned it the title “city of swift horses.” Excavations have also uncovered evidence of advanced ironworking, suggesting that metallurgy here was more than a trade — it was an art.

Prosperity and Roman Reconstruction

Kibyra reached its height during the Roman period, when most of its visible structures were built. However, the city’s prosperity was briefly shattered by a major earthquake in 23 AD. The Roman Emperor Tiberius granted Kibyra a five-year tax amnesty and financial assistance to rebuild, and in gratitude, the citizens renamed their city “Caesarea Cibyra” — the Emperor’s Cibyra.

Architectural Wonders of Kibyra

Stadium

On entering the site, the Kibyra Stadium dominates the landscape. Stretching 200 meters and seating around 12,000 spectators, it is regarded as one of the five most magnificent stadiums of the ancient world. Initially used for athletic events, it later became a stage for gladiatorial combats, earning the city its fierce reputation.

Theatre

The theatre of Kibyra, with seating for 7,500–8,000 people, is remarkable for its steep tiers that give it a dramatic presence over the valley. Visitors today can still pass through the ornate southern gate, one of the few ancient theater entrances that remains fully intact.

The World’s Largest Odeon

Among Kibyra’s most astonishing discoveries is the largest known Odeon in the world. Designed as a music and concert hall, it could accommodate around 3,500 people and stands as a testament to the city’s cultural sophistication.

Medusa Mosaic

At the heart of the Odeon lies the Medusa Mosaic, an extraordinary masterpiece dating to the early 1st century AD. Created using the Opus Sectile technique, it portrays Medusa, the mythological creature whose gaze could turn men to stone. The mosaic, unique in the world for its craftsmanship and preservation, once protected the building from evil.

Bath Complex

Kibyra’s Roman bathhouse, spanning approximately 5,400 square meters, is one of the largest in Anatolia. Built with a sophisticated underfloor heating system, it offered both luxury and engineering brilliance. With its 2,600-square-meter main structure, it ranks as the city’s third-largest building, after the stadium and the Odeon.

A Winter Wonderland

While Kibyra is fascinating year-round, visiting in winter reveals an entirely different beauty. Blanketed in snow, the ancient stones and grand arches take on a serene, ethereal quality, transforming the site into a winter wonderland. The snowy peaks and silent ruins create an almost mystical atmosphere — a rare opportunity to see an ancient city seemingly frozen in time. In these quiet months, visitors can wander among the snow-dusted columns and amphitheater seats, imagining how the city might once have glimmered under the same white veil two thousand years ago.

Legacy and Recognition

The ancient city of Kibyra offers visitors a rare opportunity to step back into a world where art, power, and mythology intertwined. Its grandeur and preservation led to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2016, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.

Getting There

Kibyra is easily accessible by road:

• From Antalya: Follow the Çavdır–Denizli road to Gölhisar, then continue toward the ancient city.
• From Ankara: Take the Afyonkarahisar–Burdur highway and proceed toward Gölhisar–Fethiye.
• From Izmir: Follow the İzmir–Aydın–Denizli route, then take the Acıpayam–Gölhisar line to reach Kibyra.

Whether for its legendary gladiators, majestic architecture, or the snow-covered serenity of winter, Kibyra stands as one of Turkey’s most enthralling archaeological treasures — a city where the echoes of history still whisper through the stones.

Source: http://www.sagalassosvakfi.org

Featured image by Şefik Akkurt

The post The Ancient City of Kibyra: City of Gladiators and Swift Horses appeared first on Fethiye Times.

Today, Side offers visitors a perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and sunshine. The town boasts an ever-growing collection of hotels, most of them stretching along the long, golden beaches that invite sunbathing, swimming, and unforgettable sunsets. With around 320 days of sunshine each year, it’s no surprise that Side is increasingly becoming a top choice for a winter getaway.

Autumn is particularly special here—warm enough to enjoy the Mediterranean waters, yet calm and peaceful as the summer crowds thin. Think of it as a Maldives-like escape, but much closer to home, where history, beauty, and relaxation meet under endless skies.

Whether you’re exploring ancient amphitheatres, wandering through charming streets, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, Side promises a winter escape that’s as rich in history as it is in relaxation.

A tour of Side with Mick and Trudie

Watch this video about the resort and ruins of Side by Mick Scarsbrook (Mick Amca), who has lived in Turkey for over 25 years. Then plan your visit and experience the magic of Side for yourself—you deserve it!

To see more videos by Mick and Trudie, subscribe to their YouTube channel: Mick and Trudie

Follow Mick and Trudie on Facebook: Mick Amca (and Trudie)

Follow Mick and Trudie on Instagram: mickamca_andtrudie

This post was first published on October 8, 2019 and updated on October 6, 2025.

The post Discover Side: Turkey’s Sun-Kissed Mediterranean Gem appeared first on Fethiye Times.

As the intensity of summer fades, a crisp freshness begins to fill the air. The sunlight softens, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Lush summer greens gradually transform into a rich tapestry of russet browns, fiery reds, and glowing golds.

With its mild temperatures and breathtaking scenery, autumn is one of the best seasons to explore Turkey. In fact, some destinations are even more appealing now than in the height of summer.

Here are some of Turkey’s most popular autumn getaways.

Yedigöller National Park

The national parks of Turkey are particularly attractive in the fall when the trees begin to shed their leaves. Yedigöller National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Türkiye, and one of the top destinations to visit in autumn.

Set amid the provincial borders of Bolu in the Western Black Sea, Yedigöller takes its name from the seven lakes in the park, which are connected by hiking trails.

Lake Abant

Lake Abant, a freshwater lake, is a national park in northwest Turkey’s Bolu. 

A three-hour drive from Istanbul, the lake, formed as a result of a landslide, offers spectacular views every season of the year.

There isn’t too much to do or see in Abant, nonetheless, a visit to this heavenly corner of Turkey is sure to be memorable.

The Black Sea

The Black Sea region is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, verdant colours and fresh mountain air. The area is truly stunning in autumn, especially in the forested landscapes such as Artvin, Kastamonu and Şavşat.

Autumn in Istanbul

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Istanbul, with pleasant weather that is neither too hot nor too cold. As summer winds down, the city’s central districts come alive again, and the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Istanbul returns.

A Bosphorus cruise in autumn offers a particularly stunning experience, as the waterfront mansions are draped in the rich colours of the season.

Of course, Turkey is such a vast country with varying climatic conditions that you might just find yourself waking up to snow in October!

Sources: Daily Sabah/Anadolu Agency/Culture Trip

This article was first published on November 2, 2021 and updated on 19 September 2025.

The post Autumn in Turkey: A Season of Magic and Colour appeared first on Fethiye Times.

A Monument to a Kingdom

In 62 BC, King Antiochus I of Commagene ordered the construction of a vast tomb and temple complex at Nemrut. This extraordinary monument, combining Greek and Persian influences, was designed as a testament to his reign and remains the most significant relic of his kingdom. The terraces and statues that survive today continue to fascinate historians, travellers, and archaeologists alike.

A Dwelling Place of the Gods

Antiochus envisioned Nemrut not just as his final resting place, but as a sacred meeting ground of deities. He called it a hierothesion—the “common dwelling place of all the gods beside the heavenly thrones.” On the eastern and western terraces of the tumulus, visitors can still see rows of five immense limestone statues, seated and gazing outward across the landscape. Each row is guarded by powerful animal figures, symbolising protection.

An inscription reveals Antiochus’s intent: the summit was to serve as his eternal sanctuary, where the “God King” would rest among the gods themselves, his soul united with theirs in the celestial realm.

Over the centuries, the colossal statues of Nemrut Dağı have all been decapitated—their immense heads now resting on the terraces below. Scholars believe the damage was caused either by powerful earthquakes, which frequently shake the region, or by acts of iconoclasm. Originally, the statues are thought to have towered nearly 30 feet high, their design blending the artistic traditions of both Greece and Persia—a reflection of the Kingdom of Commagene’s position between these two great civilisations.

The 8th Wonder of the Ancient World

Today, Nemrut Dağı is often hailed as the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World. Recognised for its cultural and historical significance, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 and designated a National Park the following year. For travellers, it remains not only a site of deep historical intrigue but also a dream location for photographers, who are captivated by the surreal presence of the weathered stone heads scattered across the mountain terraces.

Here, we share a collection of images of Nemrut Dağı’s colossal stone heads, captured by Nichola Chapman.

And if that’s not enough for you, just look at that view…

To see more of Nichola’s work, please visit Nichola Chapman Photography

This article was first published on 15 August 2019 and updated on 1 September 2025

The post The Spellbinding Peak of Nemrut Dağı appeared first on Fethiye Times.

The southeastern province was once one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia. Formerly known as “Urfa,” the city took the title “Şanlı” – meaning glorious, dignified – in 1984 in memory of the achievement of its people in the War of Independence.

The city’s history goes back to 9,000 B.C. or even further with the findings discovered every day at nearby Göbeklitepe, mankind’s first temple that was ever erected on earth.

According to Jewish and Muslim traditions, Şanlıurfa is “Ur Kasdim,” the hometown of Abraham. This was disputed by Leonard Woolley, the excavator of the Sumerian city of Ur in 1927 and scholars remain divided on the issue. Şanlıurfa is also one of several cities that has traditions associated with Job. For the Armenians, Şanlıurfa is considered a holy place since it is believed that the Armenian alphabet was invented there.

Şanlıurfa was conquered repeatedly throughout history and has been dominated by many civilizations, including the Ebla, Akkadians, Sumerians, Babylonians, Hittites, Armenians, Hurri-Mitannis, Assyrians, Medes, Persians, Ancient Macedonians (under Alexander the Great), Seleucids, Arameans, the Neo-Assyrian Osrhoenes, Romans, Sassanids, Byzantines and Arabs.

The discovery of Göbeklitepe

The discovery of Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple ever discovered in history six miles away, spiked Şanlıurfa’s international fame. The massive carved stones about 11,000 years old, predate Stonehenge by some 6,000 years.

Distinctive T-shaped pillars are carved with images of wild animals, providing insight into the way of life and beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia about 11,500 years ago.

The megalithic structures have largely retained the original form and design of their architectural elements, together with numerous decorative elements and craftworks that provide an insight into the way of life of the societies that occupied the site. The results of more than twenty years of research and archaeological excavations on the site testify to its authenticity.

Pool of Sacred Fish

During the autumn time, the city of Şanlıurfa’s main attraction is the sacred Balıklıgöl, the “Pool of Sacred Fish” located in the courtyard of the Halil-ur-Rahman mosque, built by the Ayyubids in 1211 and now surrounded by the tranquil and well-organized Gölbaşı-gardens.

Legend has it that the pool is where the Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod. According to the legend, when Nimrod flung Abraham into the fire, the fire became water and the firewood became the fish, which persists to this day. Hence, Balıklıgöl and the carp fish in this pool are considered sacred.

These sacred fish are probably among the most privileged finned creatures in the world as they live in crystal clear waters and are fed abundantly every day as visitors are encouraged to feed them.

Most of the fish are grey or black but local legend says seeing a white carp will open the door to the heavens.

Every year, tourists from around the world flock to visit the pool where they can feed the fish and climb to the Urfa Castle to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Afterwards, in the restaurants surrounding the historic site, tourists can taste local delights such as “mırra,” a type of Turkish coffee which is a speciality of the southeastern region, especially Şanlıurfa. Here mırra is an important part of daily life, and at every step, you come across street vendors carrying samovars of coffee.

While most people associate Şanlıurfa with Göbeklitepe, the city itself is one of the most ancient in the world. While you won’t find many tourists, it is a bustling city with a lot to see and it’s well worth taking time to explore all the attractions.

Sources: Daily Sabah/Rove.me

The post Şanlıurfa and the Pool of Sacred Fish appeared first on Fethiye Times.

Prefer to get away from the crowds on holiday? These secluded beach spots could be exactly what you’re looking for…

The natural wonders of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast are hardly a secret. So in high season, when its most popular resorts are bustling and summer parties are in full swing, you might want to escape somewhere quieter for the day, to find a beach or a bar practically to yourself. Here are five fabulous secret beach spots on the Turkish Riviera.

Datça

For a long time, the winding road along the spindly Datça Peninsula was so bad that Datça was practically off limits to all but those with yachts – and that’s precisely why it remains so unspoilt.

It’s still quickest and easiest to get there by sea; just hop on a boat across the bay from Bodrum. But now you can also take the scenic route through olive groves and pine-forested mountains for the 20-odd miles from Marmaris. Charming Old Datça (Eski Datça) has been smartened up in recent years, with chic bars, restaurants and boutique hotels – and the coast has beautiful bays. One of the loveliest is Ovabükü, set against a verdant backdrop.

Selimiye

The most rustic of the resorts on the Bozburun peninsula west of Marmaris has no large hotels, no themed pubs and no grip on the 21st century.

The former fishing village is on a mirror calm bay, a ribbon of crusty terracotta roofs on dusty lanes. Nightlife means a glass of aniseed raki after whichever fish restaurant took your fancy, then a moonlit stroll to bed. If you are looking to do nothing more pressing than rise late, sunbathe on dreamy beaches (Kumlubük is the region’s best), read and eat, you’ll fit right in.

Orhaniye

The mellow Bozburun Peninsula, nosing into the blue where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, is a corner of Turkey that is somehow overlooked, though it’s not far from Marmaris and Bodrum.

It was made for seafarers, with its sleepy fishing villages and gulet-building yards and its calm, beautiful bays. Swim at Orhaniye, a gorgeous bay of sapphire blue with a curious sand spit just below the surface, where you can walk as though on water. Afterwards, bag yourself a hammock at the back of the beach.

Çıralı

Çıralı could be a whopper. Its two-mile beach is a scimitar of fine shingle wedged between rocky spurs. Ripe for commercialisation, then. But because loggerhead turtles lay their eggs here, development is forbidden – which is why Çıralı today is a mellow family resort that feels more distant than its hour from Antalya. That it’s a dead end helps.

Largely car-free, verdant with citrus and pomegranate trees, Çıralıremains a place to potter: hotel, beach, restaurant, repeat. Magic. The ancients thought so too. They saw the natural flames flickering from rocks as evidence of monsters at nearby Chimaera. At the other end of the beach is ancient Olympos. Unleash your inner Indiana Jones among the ruins.

Kabak

There’s not much to Kabak. Thank heavens for that. While boat taxis ferry day trippers from Fetihye to Butterfly Valley, Kabak, the next cove south, cradled by craggy, pine-cloaked hills, retains a soulful off-the-radar atmosphere: reed-roofed shades on the beach (beautiful, incidentally); a few cafés selling homemade food; some lovely, simple accommodation.

That’s about it. Access is on a dirt road. You could cajole a taxi driver in Ölüdeniz to go. More satisfying is to walk in on the Lycian Way from Butterfly Valley. Over three spirit-soaring hours, crowds fall behind and the scenery takes over. Your reward afterwards? A dip in cerulean seas. Bliss.

Turkey – step into a world of delights

Turkey is a diverse country with stunning beaches, great food, spectacular scenery, ancient history and nightlife to suit all tastes.

Jet2 off to Turkey and step into a world of delights. Take your pick from four destinations—Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, or Izmir—and explore the stunning Turquoise Coast. From ancient ruins to bustling marinas and glamorous waterfronts, there’s no shortage of sights and experiences. With excellent value, a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, and a variety of holiday packages to suit every budget, Turkey promises an unforgettable getaway.

To make a booking visit jet2holidays.com

Featured image: Çıralı Beach courtesy of Tournal.com

This article was first published on 7 August 2018 and updated on 18 August 2025.

The post Five of Turkey’s most special beach hideaways appeared first on Fethiye Times.

Turkey is a land of mountains, breathtaking scenery, and vast stretches of unspoiled countryside that serve as natural sanctuaries for its remarkable diversity of wildlife, flora, and fauna.

The rugged landscape has shaped the country’s cultural heritage for centuries. Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities once moved with their herds each year to the fresh mountain pastures, known as yayla. These alpine meadows continue to symbolise a living connection to Turkey’s enduring traditions.

Hiking

Hiking offers the perfect escape from the crowds, opening the door to the real Turkey—where breathtaking landscapes, remote historic sites, traditional villages, and warm, welcoming locals await.

While dedicated hikers may be drawn to the rugged interior and the dramatic mountains of the east, even a short walk inland from the busiest coastal resorts can feel like stepping into another world.

For those seeking a challenge, Turkey boasts three official long-distance trails: the Lycian Way—named by the Sunday Times as one of the world’s top ten walks—the St Paul Trail, and the Carian Trail.

Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a 540km waymarked trail stretching along the coast from Fethiye to Antalya. It takes its name from the ancient Lycian civilisation, whose legacy is still visible today in the striking rock-carved tombs scattered across the region.

This dramatic stretch of coastline offers walkers a mix of breathtaking scenery and varied terrain. Wooded mountains rise steeply from the sea, providing spectacular views, while the path weaves past some of the area’s most remote historic sites.

The trail is graded medium to hard—not a flat coastal stroll but a route of steady ascents and descents as it approaches and retreats from the shoreline. The first sections near Fethiye are gentler, becoming progressively more challenging further east.

The best times to walk the Lycian Way are spring (February–May) and autumn (September–November). Summers are hot, though shorter, shaded stretches can still be enjoyed. The route follows ancient footpaths and mule tracks, mostly across limestone, which can be hard and stony underfoot.

Highlights of the Lycian Way

Discover more about the beaches along the Lycian Way in Lisa Morrow’s article.

Turkey’s Lycian Way: An epic hike with beautiful beaches at every turn

St Paul Trail

The St Paul Trail is a newer waymarked footpath stretching for around 500km from Perge, 10km east of Antalya, to Yalvaç, northeast of Lake Eğirdir. A second branch begins at Aspendos, 40km east of Antalya, and joins the main route at the Roman city of Adada.

Partly following the path taken by St Paul on his first missionary journey through Asia Minor, the trail begins at sea level and climbs to 2,200m, with two optional peaks reaching around 2,800m.

Wilder and more rugged than the Lycian Way, the St Paul Trail is also higher and cooler during the summer months. Walkers can enjoy a mix of experiences—some days traversing ridges and summits, others winding through forests, farmland, and ancient villages.villages.

Sütcüler

Early on the trail lies the town of Sütcüler, once an important Ottoman administrative centre. In the town centre stands a mosque from that era, while the ruins of a Roman settlement can be found on a nearby hill. The surrounding gorges were once crossed by ancient pilgrimage routes, and the area was known as Bavul, in honour of St Paul.

The second part of the walk leads over the shoulder of Mt Davras (2,635m) and across the İsparta plain, before two rewarding days of trekking in the Barla Mountains. Here, hikers have the option to summit Gelincik Dağı (2,799m) and Mt Kaymaz (2,250m).

An overnight stay in Barla precedes the route’s descent to the lakeside town of Eğirdir, where you can climb Sivri Dağı, relax in a traditional Turkish bath (hamam), or cool off with a swim in the lake.

Highlights of the St Paul Trail

The Carian Trail – Turkey’s Longest Coastal Hiking Trail

The Carian Trail is an 800km long-distance walking route in southwest Turkey, stretching from Bodrum and Karpuzlu on the Aegean coast, around the Gulf of Gökova, and on to Içmeler by the Mediterranean. Officially opened in 2013, it quickly became a rival to the famed Lycian Way as one of Turkey’s most remarkable treks.

Named after the ancient Carian civilisation, the trail winds through a landscape steeped in history. Stone-paved caravan routes and old mule paths link coastal villages with the mountainous interior, leading hikers into an unspoiled region rich in colour, tradition, and timeless charm.

Waymarked to international standards, the Carian Trail welcomes both independent walkers and guided groups to experience its blend of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Along the way, hikers can swim from deserted turquoise bays, climb through pine-scented forests to hidden ruins, and gaze out across the dramatic Aegean coastline to the Greek islands.

The journey is filled with unexpected discoveries: wild mountain goats roaming the remote Datça Peninsula, traditional boatbuilding in Bozburun, Neolithic cave art near Lake Bafa, and handwoven village carpets crafted on ancient looms. For those seeking both adventure and authenticity, the Carian Trail offers an unforgettable experience.

Carian Trail consists of four main sections:

Bozburun Peninsula

Datça Peninsula

Gulf of Gokova

Carian Hinterland

One alternative section:

Muğla Environs

For more information on these routes, visit:

www.lycianway.com

Culture Routes Society: St Paul Trail

www.cariantrail.com

Sources: Discover Turkey/Culture Routes Society

This article was first published on 15 January 2019 and updated on 18 August 2025.

The post Discover Turkey: hiking the ways and trails appeared first on Fethiye Times.

Roses Express: İzmir to Isparta

This daily train is a must for lovers of classical history. The 10-hour journey winds through the coastal plains of the Aegean and into the hilly terrain of western Anatolia, but the real pleasure lies in the stops along the way to explore the region’s ancient ruins. The train stops at Selçuk station, just three miles from the UNESCO-listed Ephesus ruins, and at Denizli station, the gateway to Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Its final stop is Isparta, the entry point to the mountaintop ruins of Sagalassos. 

Eastern Express: Ankara to Kars

The daily Eastern Express covers 814 miles through the high plateaus and mountainous landscapes of northeast Anatolia. In winter, when snow blankets the peaks and plains, it becomes one of Turkey’s most stunning journeys. Most travelers bring their own picnic instead of relying on the basic dining car, settling in for the 26-hour trip in either Pullman seats or four-berth shared couchette sleeper compartments. From December to March, the pricier Touristic Eastern Express departs three times a week, offering two-berth private sleeper compartments and including stops for excursions in historic cities.

Taurus Express: Konya to Adana

This passenger train travels along the historic railway line carved through the Taurus Mountains between 1904 and 1918, cutting across the Cilician Gates mountain pass once traversed by Alexander the Great. Originally designed as the northern section of the Baghdad Railway, the route is flanked by steep, forested slopes and deep gorges, passing through numerous tunnels and crossing the 320-foot-high stone Varda Viaduct, famously featured in the 2012 Bond film Skyfall. The seven-hour, daily Taurus Express connects Konya with Adana, an excellent starting point for exploring the castles and ruins of Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean region.

Pamukkale Express: Eskişehir to Denizli

The nine-hour Pamukkale Express connects the vibrant arts hub of Eskişehir with Denizli, the gateway to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, offering a front-row view of the rural heartland of northwest Anatolia. The northern stretch of the journey winds through valleys once ruled by the Iron Age Phrygian kings, while further south, the landscape opens into expansive farmland framed by fir-forested hills. The train departs daily in both directions, making it an ideal way to experience this picturesque region.

Lake Van Express: Ankara to Tatvan

Two long-distance routes showcase the stunning landscapes of southeast Anatolia, featuring rugged, rock-strewn plateaus, rolling hills, vast lakes, and sprawling orchards and farmland. Both routes cross the Euphrates River at the Karakaya Dam via the 2,030-meter-long Euphrates Railway Bridge, offering some of their most scenic views in spring and autumn. Like the Eastern Express, the dining car is basic, so most passengers bring their own food for onboard picnics.

The twice-weekly Lake Van Express covers 775 miles over 26 hours, traveling between Ankara and Tatvan on the western shore of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake, spanning 1,435 square miles. Tatvan is the gateway to Van, a city that serves as the ideal base for exploring Turkey’s southeastern corner, including the renowned Akdamar Church, an Armenian artistic masterpiece. Travelers can choose from Pullman seating, four-berth shared couchette compartments, or two-bed private sleeper cabins for their journey.

South Express: Ankara to Diyarbakır

The South Express meanders 653 miles between Ankara and the ancient walled city of Diyarbakır, a perfect introduction to the rich heritage of southeastern Turkey. Diyarbakır, known for its ancient monuments, Kurdish culture, and historic bridges spanning the Tigris River, is a highlight of the journey. The regular 22-hour South Express runs five times a week at a fraction of the cost of the Touristic Diyarbakır Express, which covers the same route in 24 hours. Departing once a month, the touristic version includes stops for excursions in Malatya when heading east, and in Yolçatı (for Harput Castle) and Kayseri when heading west.

Sivas-Samsun Railway

This eight-hour route links Sivas, a city renowned for its stunning 13th-century Seljuk-era architecture, with the Black Sea port of Samsun, home to the Amisos Treasures—a remarkable collection of golden artifacts now showcased in the new Samsun Museum. Running three times a week in both directions, the train leisurely winds through hills dotted with farms before passing by the Canık Mountains. For a more relaxed journey, consider breaking it into two stages by stopping in Amasya, where the cliffside tombs of Pontic kings overlook charming Ottoman houses lining the Yeşilırmak River below.

For ticket details, including pricing, availability, and booking options, please visit: https://bilet.tcdd.gov.tr/

Source: National Geographic

The post Seven incredible train journeys in Turkey appeared first on Fethiye Times.

Historical Background

Founded as a Carian city, Kaunos was strategically positioned on the border with Lycia, which led to a fascinating fusion of Carian and Lycian cultural elements. This dual influence is evident in the city’s architecture, inscriptions, and artifacts. The city thrived as an important port and trading center due to its advantageous position along the Mediterranean coast and its access to the inland areas via the Dalyan River.

Kaunos is renowned for its well-preserved urban layout and diverse architectural styles. Among the most striking features are the ancient city walls, which still stand as a testament to the city’s historical significance and defensive needs. The acropolis, perched on a hill, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the river below, providing a glimpse into the strategic importance of Kaunos in ancient times.

The city is also home to an impressive theater, which showcases the typical Greek architectural style and could accommodate around 5,000 spectators. This theater, along with the remains of temples, baths, and an agora (marketplace), indicates the city’s prosperity and its role as a cultural and social hub.

Rock Tombs and Necropolis

One of the most iconic features of Kaunos is its rock-cut tombs, which are carved into the cliffs overlooking the river. These tombs, resembling Lycian-style burial sites, are a remarkable sight and highlight the city’s connection to both Carian and Lycian traditions. The tombs were designed to honor the deceased with elaborate façades and intricate carvings, reflecting the beliefs and artistic skills of the ancient inhabitants.

The necropolis of Kaunos also includes a variety of tomb types, from simple chamber tombs to more complex sarcophagi, illustrating the diversity in burial practices and the social hierarchy of the city’s population.

Kaunos played a crucial role in the ancient economy due to its strategic location as a port city. It facilitated trade between the interior regions of Anatolia and the broader Mediterranean world. The city’s economy was bolstered by the export of agricultural products, particularly figs, salt, and fish, which were highly valued commodities in ancient times.

Culturally, Kaunos was a melting pot where Carian and Lycian traditions intermingled with influences from other Mediterranean civilizations. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city’s religious practices, art, and daily life. The presence of inscriptions in both the Carian and Greek languages indicates a bilingual society that embraced a blend of indigenous and Hellenistic influences.

Modern-Day Kaunos

Today, Kaunos is an archaeological site that attracts visitors from around the world. Its proximity to Dalyan makes it an accessible destination for tourists interested in exploring ancient history and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The site offers a glimpse into the past, with its ruins providing valuable insights into the lives and achievements of its ancient inhabitants.

Photos by Sami Payne and Norman Clark

The post Kaunos: a melting pot of Carian and Lycian traditions appeared first on Fethiye Times.

Roughly 30km southeast of Eğirdir, and about 1km north of Aksu by a Roman bridge, the entrance to the kilometre-long Zindan Cave marks the start of an underground journey featuring Byzantine ruins, striking stalactites and stalagmites, and the so-called ‘hamam’ room—a chamber believed to have once served as a ritual bath. The cave also makes a popular cycling day trip from Eğirdir, offering both adventure and historical discovery.

A Journey into the Past

Perched 1,300 metres (4,265 feet) above sea level, Zindan Cave stretches 765 metres into the limestone hills. At its entrance, visitors encounter significant archaeological features: a Roman bridge, the remains of the open-air Eurymedon Temple, and a mosaic thought to depict the river goddess. These elements reflect the cave’s long-standing role as a sacred and cultural site used by ancient pagan, Greek and Roman communities.

Inside the cave, a dramatic landscape unfolds, shaped by thousands of years of mineral deposits. Stalactites, stalagmites and towering columns create a sculptural environment, while a subterranean stream flows steadily over rocks, echoing throughout the cavern. This mineral-rich stream has been scientifically analysed and shown to contain high levels of calcium and magnesium, lending support to local beliefs in its skin-soothing properties.

Nature and Myth Intertwined

Among the cave’s most iconic features is the Eurymedon mosaic, crafted from black, white and red stones and located near the entrance just beyond the Roman bridge. Believed to represent a river goddess, the mosaic suggests the area’s spiritual and cultural importance in antiquity. Engraved stones and scattered columns contribute to the feeling of an open-air museum embedded in the landscape.

Further inside, the cave reveals a space interpreted by archaeologists as a former ritual bath, located near the mosaic and directly linked to the ancient spring. The enduring belief in the therapeutic qualities of the water is partially supported by its composition, rich in beneficial minerals.

A Modern Attraction with Ancient Roots

Today, Zindan Cave attracts around 50,000 visitors annually. Enhancements made during its transformation into a tourist site—such as illuminated walkways and safety features—make it accessible while preserving its natural and historical character. With a consistent internal temperature of 5°C (41°F) year-round, it offers a cool, atmospheric escape from the Mediterranean summer heat.

Zindan Cave stands as a unique blend of natural beauty, archaeological heritage and ecological significance. Whether explored for its geology, its connection to ancient civilisations, or simply for a moment of peace beneath the surface, it remains one of Turkey’s most fascinating underground treasures.

Source: Daily Sabah with AA

The post Zindan Cave: Turkey’s Hidden Underground Wonder appeared first on Fethiye Times.