AREA INFO

» Side

Side, ancient Pamphylia's largest port, is situated on a small peninsula extending north-south into the sea.

Strabo and Arrianos both record that Side was settled from Kyme, city in Aeolia, a region of western Anatolia. Most probably, this colonization occurred in the seventh century B.C.. According to Arrianos, when settlers from Kyme came to Side, they could not understand the dialect. After a short while, the influence of this indigenous tongue was so great that the newcomers forgot their native Greek and started using the language of Side. Excavations have revealed several inscriptions written in this language. The inscriptions, dating from the third and second centuries B.C., remain undeciphered, but testify that the local language was still use several centuries after colonization. Another object found in Side excavations, a basalt column base from the seventh century B.C. and attributable to the Neo Hittites, provides other evidence of the site's early history. The word "side" is Anatolian in origin and means pomegranate.

Next to no information exists concerning Side under Lydian and Persian sovereignty. Nevertheless, the fact that Side minted its own coins during the fifth century B.C. while under Persian dominion, shows that it still possessed a great measure of independence.

In 333 A.D., despite its strong land and sea walls, Side surrendered to Alexander the Great without a fight. For a long period following the death of Alexander, Side came under the dominion of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires, and in 190 B.C. witnessed a great naval battle. This encounter took place between the fleet of Rhodes, acting with the support of Rome and Pergamum, and the fleet of Antiochos III, the king of Syria, under the command of the famous Carthaginian Hannibal. Side took the side of Hannibal, but the Rhodian forces carried the day.

In the second century B.C. Side was able to stave off the forces of the Attaleids of Pergamum and preserve its independence, becoming a wealthy commercial, intellectual, and entertainment centre. Side's importance in the Eastern Mediterranean as an educational and cultural centre can be gauged by the fact that Antiochos VII, who ascended the throne of Syria in 138 B.C., was sent to Side in his youth to receive its education. In the first century B.C. misfortune overtook Side in the form of Cilician pirates, who seized the city and turned it into a naval base and slave market. The people of Side seem to have tolerated the pirates because of the highly profitable nature of this commerce, which, however, gave the city a bad name in the region. Stratonicus, a man famous for his retorts and witticisms, answered the question, "Who are the worst, most treacherous people?" saying, "In Pamphylia the people of Phaselis, but in the whole world the people of Side". The famous Roman general Pompey ended the reign of the pirates in 67 B.C. and Side, by erecting monuments and statues in his honour, tried to erase its bad name. Under Roman rule, Side prospered during a second golden age, especially in the second and third centuries when it became a metropolis ,seat of the provincial governor and his administrative staff. Due to its large harbour. Side in this era enjoyed commercial relations throughout the Mediterranean particularly with Egypt. Imported goods left Side for central Anatolia by road. Side's importance as a commercial centre can be ascertained by the hundreds of shops occupying not only the main streets, but also the narrowest of side streets and alleys. At the same time it continued as an important slave trading centre. Documents from the Imperial Roman period found in Egypt report that these slaves were sent to Side mainly from Africa. It is also known that Side possessed a large commercial fleet which did not pass up opportunities to commit piracy. Maritime commerce was the origin of the wealth of many merchants. These wealthy men did not work solely to increase their fortunes, but also provided for activities benefiting the people of the city, donating large sums to organize competitions and games, as well as to beautify the city and create social and religious organizations. One inscription found above a late period gate reports that two people, whose names cannot be made out, had a deipnisterion or soup kitchen erected for the use of government employees and the council of elders. A woman named Modesta organized gladiatorial events; Tuesianos, another inhabitant of Side, organized a feast to celebrate the return of the seamen to Side; and a husband and wife pair of philanthropists provided for the repairs of Side'' water system out of their own pockets. A great proportion of the buildings and monuments still standing at Side date to this magnificent epoch.

Side's last years of plenty occurred in the fifth and sixth centuries A:D. when it served as the seat of the Bishopric of Eastern Pamphylia. At this time there was much construction, and the city expanded beyond the extant city walls. Starting in the middle of the seventh century, destructive raids by Arab fleets on the southern coast of Anatolia transformed it into a war zone. Side was naturally, affected, and excavations have uncovered ashy burnt layers showing that the city was entirely burnt by Arabs. According to the twelfth century Arab geographer Idrisi, Side was at one time a large and populous city, but after being sacked it was abandoned by its inhabitants, who moved to Antalya, two days' journey away; as a result, according to Idrisi, Side became known as Old Antalya.

In order to protect itself from threats coming by land or sea, Side was surrounded on all four sides by high walls. The sea walls have been much altered over the centuries due to repair and rebuilding and have most much of their original appearance; they have even collapsed in several places. By contrast, the land walls and their towers are almost whole, due to their having been carefully constructed of conglomerate stone. The city is entered through two gates in the eastern fortification wall. The large main gate was built during the Hellenistic period. It is flanked by two towers and gives onto a horseshoe-shaped courtyard. After passing through the courtyard and a square room, one enters the city. As is the case in Perge, the gate and courtyard complex were ornamented with many storeys of columns in the second century A.D. and transformed into a ceremonial place of honour. The second largest city gate, also belonging to the Hellenisitic period, lies on the north-east of the city; behind its square towers lies a courtyard that is also square in form.

The main street starts from this north-eastern gate and stretches all the way to the peninsula's western tip in an almost completely straight line. Along this street lay the city's principal official buildings and its squares. Excavations have revealed a perfectly planned sewer system. This system, covered with vaults, lay under the main street as well as the smaller streets. Outside the city wall and opposite the main gate lies the nymphaeum, a monumental fountain consisting of a richly ornamented facade with three niches and with a fountain in front. Piped-in water used to flow from spouts in the middle of these niches.

The agora, the city's centre of commercial and cultural activity, lay along an arcaded street. It can be entered today from immediately opposite the museum. This square space was surrounded on all four sides by porticoes. Rows of stores can still be observed running behind the north-east and north-west porticoes. An interesting vaulted building lies in the agora's south-west corner adjacent to the theatre, this served as the city's latrium or public toilets and is the most highly ornamented and best preserved example in Anatolia. Sewers carried away the waste from this establishment, which had a 24-toilet capacity, while in front of the building ran a channel carrying only purified water.

In the middle of the agora lay a circular temple dedicated to Tyche (Fortune). All that is left today is the podium of this structure, but originally twelve columns ran around its exterior and the temple was topped by a pyramidal roof. This agora was linked to a second, state agora by a street running along its southern edge. This agora, too, was square in plan and was enclosed by porticoes of lonic columns. It is believed that the high platform in the middle of the agora was used for the display and sale of slaves. Behind the eastern portico lay a large ornamented three-chambered building which, due to its architectural peculiarities, is thought to have been either an imperial palace or a library. From extant remains it can be ascertained that the building was originally two storeys and richly adorned with statues. Aside from a statue of Nemesis, which has been left in place to recall the original decorative style, all the statues found during excavation have been removed to the Side Museum.

The agora bathhouse, today used as the museum, is a five-room Byzantine structure dating to the fifth century A.D. It is entered through two arched doorways. The first room, possessing a small cold water pool, was the frigidarium. From here one passes to a stone-domed sweating room or lokonicum. The third and largest of the structure's rooms is the hot room or caldarium. The bath's heating system ran beneath the marble flooring. From the caldarium one can enter the two-room tepidarium or washing area through a narrow door. In front of the bath was a palaestra with a porticoed courtyard where men could excercise before bathing.

Next to the triumphal arch, which at a late date was used a city gate, lies a beautiful monument, partially restored in recent years. This monument consists of a niche between two aedicules and, according to an inscription found in the architrave, was built in 74 A.D. in memory of the Emperor Vespasion and his son Titus. During the construction of the late period city wall in the fourth century A.D., this monument was brought here from elsewhere in the city and turned into a fountain.

The theatre is the only extant example of its plan and construction type to be fount in Anatolia. It was erected in the second century A.D. on Hellenistic foundations. Because Side is virtually flat, the theatre's upper banks had to be built into the only natural rise available, which is not very steep, while the lower banks of seats overlay an arched substructure. Twenty nine seating levels can be counted below the 3.30 metre-wide diazoma, which divides the cavea in two. In the upper section only twenty two of the original twenty nine rows survive. Thus, this was Pamphylia's largest theatre and had a seating capacity of 16-17.000 people. In the outside gallery of the lower section, staircases rose to the diazoma. From interior galleries, staircases ascended to the theatre's upper section. The galleries' two ends probably contained paradoses, enabling them to be used as entrances for theatre staff and actors.

The orchestra was slightly larger than a semicircle, and at a late date it was surrounded by a nigh thick wall that rendered inoperative the lowest banks of seats. This wall was covered with waterproof pink plaster which allowed the orchestra to be filled from time to time with water for reenactments of naval battles and other sports; it no doubt also served as a pit for displays of wild animal combat. These displays usually pitted predatory animals against one another or against gladiators. Sometimes even unarmed people-criminals, slaves, and prisoners-were set against wild animals, and their helpless struggle was followed with rude glee.

» Aspendos

On returning to the E24 continue in the direction of Alanya. After c 13 km a left-hand turn leads to the market town of Serik. This as supermarkets banks a-post office, chemist shop and a number of small restaurants, where simple meals may be obtained. A signpost to the left, 4 km of Serik marks the road to the site (5km) of the ancient city of ASPENDUS, which is near the modern village of Belkis.

Not far from the road junction there is a fine 13C Selçuk bridge over the Köprüçay the ancient Eurymedon. This structure which is still used, replaced a 2C Roman bridge, whose ruins may be seen in the river-bed a few meters to the N. In ancient times the Eurymedon was navigable as far as Aspendus. At the approach to the site, on the right, are the substantial remains of a roman baths complex, which dates from the 3C AD. This rectangular structure had die usual arrangement of apodyterium, tepidarium, caldarium and frigidarium The foundations and upper walls were made of shaped blocks of the local pudding stone, while the vaults were of brick. Note the terracotta pipes running through the dividing walls. Approximately 50 m SE of the baths are the ruins of the gymnasium, which was also constructed in the 3 C AD. The main entrance on the S led to the palaestra.

Behind this was a long, narrow rectangular hall used for ceremonial purposes. On the E wall there were statues of the emperor and loc able dignitaries. The other rooms were probably used for bathing and for instruction purposes, but, as the building has not been excavated, it is not possible to state this with certainty.

» Alarahan

Alarahan, known as the Pamphilia region is within the frontier of Antalya province of Alanya district, Okurcalar city, Çakkallar village.30 km from Alanya (towards Antalya ) there is a turnoff to Alarahan.You will travel for 9 km after this turnoff from the sea towards the forest passing little settlement areas, and arrive to the region which has given it's name “Historic Alarahan.” Alarahan, one of Turkey's limited “historic places to gain function” with it's naturel surrounding Alara Castle and Alara Creek, forms a unique “museum of nature and history.”

Alarahan of Silk Way was built in A.D 1231 by Seljuk Sultan I. Alaaddin Keykubat. With living places suitable for the stay of Sultan, it's architecture and functional places, Khan is accepted as the most functional among the Anatolia Khans. Khan is the only touristic place in the region in which you can see the life styles of the Seljuk Turks, in Anatolia many centuries ago and an opportunity for the visitors to get acquainted with our cultural elements and to keep them alive. 770 years old Khan which wasn't in a ruined condition until two years ago, has become a “living and serving place “ as it was in the past, due to a restoration work conducted with total devotion to keep it original, between 1998-2000.

» Selge

Return to the E24 and continue for c 5km in the direction of Alanya. To reach SELGE take the road on the left signposted Köprülükanyon Millipark and 23 km Beşkonak. Selge is one of the most difficult sites in S Turkey to visit. As far as Beşkonak the road is reasonably good. From there to the settlement of Zerk / Altınkaya, which occupies the site of the ancient city, there is a very rough track, suitable only for a jeep. Allov a day for the visit, and take provisions, including water, for picnic meals also take some warm clothes, as Selge is c 900m above sea level the difference between the day-time temperature there and on the coast can e substantial.

At first the road to Beşkonak runs through a pleasant wooded landscape, sometimes approaching, sometimesdrawing away from the Eurymedon river. About 5km N of Beşkonak it reaches a restaurant and coffee house, where a pause for refreshment may be made before starting the strenuous climb to Zerk. Where the road forks just beyond the restaurant take the left hand track, signposted Altınkaya. This leads to a Roman bridge, which spans a deep gorge between two cliffs. Across the bridge, turn right on to a minor road that climbs steadily to the village of Zerk. This road's many sha rp bends and very rough surface demand careful driving.

The mountain landscape isspectacularly beautiful. Deep gorges clothed in cypress and cedar recedes into the distance in ever higher. Occasionally thebright green of styrax officinal is may be glimpsed through the darker foliage. The Selgians valued this shrub so highly that it appeared on their coins. According to strabo an aromatic gum which it produced was much in demand in ancient times It was, and still is used in the manufacture of incense and perfurme.

» Seleukeia

Seleuceie is near the Şıhlar Village, 12 km. North, East of Manavgat. It is one of nine cities named after seleukos Nicator, one of the generals of Alexander the Great in the 3 rd cent B.C. The strong city walls and good stratgical position suggest that it ws founded here to protect the coastal cities against the attacks from the north. Side was the nearest and the closest commercial pertner of Seleuceia.


The Archaeological findings reflect the Roman art greatly. The city was still important during the Byzantine period but it was completely destroyed by the arabs in the 7 th cent A.D. ıt was only a nomadic settlement afterwards. Together with the water dams near by the ancient city seleuceia can be great jeep safari sign for the holiday makers in Side. The 5 m high city gate in the 9 m. high city walls welcome the visitors into the well, preserved forum. This shopping center was surrounded by shops behind the Doric porticos on four Sides.

The two great Hellenistic mosaics discovered during the surface research and excavations in1970's are displayed in Antalya Museum. In the Southern corner of the forum, the small building with six rows of seats was either an Odeon (music hall) or a bouleuerion (the town hall). The are the ruins of a small Byzantine church in the much older temple lie about 25 m. North of the Forum. Kapollo is thought to be the chief deity of the city in antiquity. A bronz Apollo statuette found in this area is now exhibited in Antalya Museum.

DOĞAL YERLER

» The Bridged Canyon

Northeast of Antalya, taking the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak, is scenic route that leads to the 14 km Köprülü Canyon National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests, by rippling waterfalls. Reaching the park, 92 km from Antalya, you will encounter a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon streches for 14 km along the Köprü River and is 400 meters deeps in some places. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. The Roman Oluk Bridge, which spans the canyon, and the Büğrüm Bridge over the Kocadere stream, were engineering feast in their time.From this park you can take two possible excurtions to the ancient city of Selge or to the Dedegöl Mountainst, highest peak at 2,992 meters. Mountainers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rugged, scenic spot.

» Manavgat Waterfall

Return to the junction on the E24 for Beşkonak. From here it is c 23 km to manavgat, a pleasant market town on the Manavgat Çayı, the ancient river Melas, which has the usual complement of shops and banks. On the outskirts of Manavgat a road to the left goes first to (4 km) Manavgat Şelale (Manavgat waterfalls), a beauty-spot much favoured by Turkish as well as foreign visitors. Here under the pine trees, it is possible to enjoy an excellent lunch of freshly grilled trout washed down by a dry white wine. Approximately 3 km further is Şıhlar. From there is is an easy hour's walk to the site of Seleuceia in Pamphylia.

» Oymapinar Dam

When it was built in 1984, it was the 3rd biggest dam in Turkey. It has four turbines which are located underground and each of them has a capacity of 135 megawatts per hour. Total capacity is 540 megawatts. 45% of the electricity produced there is used in the Seydişehir Aliminium Complex.

» Titreyen Göl

Titreyengöl, which is a natural shelter for all kinds of birds such as cormorants and Pekin ducks, has an area of 3.000 m2. The region has got 22 touristic foundations with more than a capacity of 18.000 beds.

The lake has an interesting story. It is rumoured that an old fisherman was living by the lake and was feeding the birds arround.

When ever the birds see the the fisherman they fly towards him. One day a group of hunters hunting by the lake shot all the ducks swimming. The old man runs towards the hunters and tries to persuade them not to go on hunting. Meanwhile the other ducks fly towards the hunters rn away. After this event the lake shivers all the time as if the birds are crying fır the loss of the old fisherman.