Thousands of Years Under Our Feet
Turkey… These lands, which everyone calls Anatolia, are not only a geographical crossroads but also a historical one. So much so that as you walk along a mountain slope, you don’t even realize that the stones beneath your feet may be fragments of columns dating back thousands of years. In this article, I want to tell you about ancient cities you may have never heard of before, but after reading about them, you’ll want to pack your backpack and go explore them. But not in the language of a tourist brochure. I want to tell you about them as if I’ve actually been there.
Anatolia’s Silent Witnesses: Why Do Ancient Cities Still Captivate Us?
Humans are strange creatures. Sometimes, while lost among modern buildings, we stand before piles of stones from thousands of years ago and step outside of time for a moment. Perhaps this is because ancient cities are a kind of memory. Does concrete remember? No. But stones do. And those stones are still looking at us from all corners of Turkey.
Seeing ancient cities as mere archaeological remains is a big mistake. Each one may hold the beliefs, urban planning, water usage, artistic understanding, political systems, and even the gossip of the people who lived there. As you walk down a street, there may have once been an old philosopher sitting on the stone steps to your right. Who knows?
Ancient Cities Full of Mysteries – Which City, Which Story?
Afrodisias – Art Hidden in Stone
Afrodisias lies quietly in a valley surrounded by olive trees in the Karacasu district of Aydın. When you arrive here, the first thing that greets you is not silence, but the language of marble. This ancient city was world-famous for its school of sculpture. And yes, it is still standing with its stadium.
But it’s not just about the architecture. As you walk through Afrodisias, some paths among the stones seem to whisper, “Follow me.” Which way would someone leaving the temple have gone? As these questions swirled in my mind, even the clouds in the sky seemed a bit more historical.
Sagalassos – Stones Looking Up at the Sky
Sagalassos stands on a hill in the Ağlasun district of Burdur, almost touching the clouds. It is difficult to reach. But it is this difficulty that makes it special. Surrounded by mountains, this city was one of the important centers of the Pisidia region during the Roman Empire.
What makes Sagalassos special is not only its size but also its architectural elegance. The Antonine Fountain still flows with water. Yes, you heard that right. Despite thousands of years passing, the engineering is so flawless that it still works. Incredible.
Aigai – Goats and History
There is an ancient city hidden at the foot of Manisa’s Yuntdağı: Aigai. You won’t find it in guidebooks very often. But that’s exactly why you should go. When you arrive, goats may be the first to greet you. Then, slowly, as you climb the stone steps, an agora, a council building, and a theater come into view.
The stones of Aigai seem to whisper silently. “No one knows me, but I was once important,” they seem to say. As you walk, you drift away from the noise of the modern world and listen to the story the stones tell.
Blaundus – The Pillars That Speak to the Wind
There is an ancient city near Uşak: Blaundus. You may never have heard of it. But when you visit, you will find yourself walking among piles of stone columns in an open field, and you will begin to hear the wind speaking. Blaundus was founded in the Hellenistic period and flourished during the Roman era.
What’s the most impressive thing about Blaundus? Its columned passages. Each one seems to lead somewhere. But where? Sometimes, explore these places not with archaeology but with your imagination. Because some answers come not from excavations but from feelings.
Why Visit? – 5 Reasons to Explore Ancient Cities
- You connect with time. Touching the life of thousands of years ago isn’t just something you do in museums.
- You’re surrounded by nature. Most ancient cities are outside the city limits, in the fresh air. Your soul feels cleansed.
- It’s not a history lesson; it’s a journey through time. Really. Sometimes even a stone can tell you a story.
- It’s a chance to escape the crowds. Especially lesser-known ancient cities are places where silence reigns.
- It’s not all about photos. You should also collect experiences that speak to your eyes and soul.
Other Hidden Ancient Cities in Turkey
- Laodicea (Denizli): As magnificent as Ephesus but less well-known.
- Knidos (Datça): Sit in the ancient theater to watch the sunset.
- Perge (Antalya): Roman roads are still as solid as stone.
- Stratonikeia (Muğla): One of the rare places where Ottoman houses blend seamlessly with ancient stones.
Things to Keep in Mind When Exploring Ancient Cities
- Silence is important. These places are not just tourist attractions; they are historical heritage sites.
- Do not touch the sites or move the stones. If those stones have been there for thousands of years, they should remain there after you.
- Bring water with you. Most ancient cities are located far from city centers.
- Do not go without a guide. At least do thorough research beforehand. Otherwise, the stones will remain silent.
