When visiting Alanya it is hard to miss the massive fortifications that dominate the skyline. This fort, beautifully situated on the promontory overlooking the sea, is the goal of many hikers who got tired of the continuous sunbathing. Can the area of the fortress (tr. Alanya Kalesi), known in town simply as 'kale' (the castle), hide any secrets and little-known nooks and crannies? It is worth to set off on a hike, discover many interesting places and become enchanted by the stunning panorama that extends from the top of the castle hill.
The church of St. George from the Byzantine period - Inner Fortress in Alanya
Belevi Mausoleum is a monumental tomb from the Hellenistic era that stands near Selçuk in the Aegean province of Izmir. It is the second-largest ancient mausoleum in Anatolia, slightly smaller than the most famous building of this type; that is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. However, Belevi Mausoleum is much better preserved than one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
In ancient times, people attached great importance to the words of the oracle that foretold the future, gave advice and warnings. In the Greek world, apart from the most famous oracle at Delphi, there were many other prophetic centers, of local or wider significance. One of them was the oracle of Claros, the ruins of which are located in Izmir province, near Ahmetbeyli.
The religious center in Claros consisted of the temple and oracle of Apollo, revered locally as Apollo Clarius. This oracle during the ancient period had the significance similar to the ones in Delphi and Didyma. The nearest Greek settlements - Notion and Colophon - took care of this center. Also, every five years, a sports event, known as Claria and organized in honor of Apollo, was held in Claros.
On the road connecting the Mediterranean coast with the mountainous Pisidia, the remains of many ancient cities are scattered. In addition to these more widely-known among travellers, such as Sagalassos and Antioch of Pisidia, there are numerous ruins of settlements totally forgotten or very poorly known along this route. Ariassos, hidden between the mountains at an altitude of 950 meters above sea level, belongs to this second category but is definitely worth a visit.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for September 2015. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!
