History and Archaeology
HISTORY OF LYCIA & TELMESSOS
Lycia, called the land of lights in the Antique period, is located on the Teke peninsula between Fethiye and Antalya. Lycians, renowned for their special language, matriarchal life-style, rock monuments, tombs and addiction to freedom and independence, have been recorded in history as defenders of the Anatolian Union against Egyptians at Kadesh and against Akhas at Troy.
Fethiye was called Telmessos during the Lycian period. Written records state that the city was named after Telmessos, the son of God Apollon. From the 5th Century B.C., throughout its existence, it fell under the domination of the Persians, Romans and Byzanthians, it succeeded maintaining its original status.
The most splendid work of art from the Antique Telmessos, still standing in Fethiye, is the rock tomb constructed in the manner of an Ionian temple in honour of Amintas, son of Hermapias, in the 4th Century B.C. Famous traveller Charles Texier arrived here in the 1850s and carved his name on the entrance to the tomb which is still discernible today. The sarcophagi, which are representative of the elite mastery of the Lycian art and stonework, enhance the attraction of the city. Especially those standing in the courtyard of the Governor's Headquarters, at the Necropolis and opposite the quay are noteworthy.
Telmessos Theatre was re-built in Roman style during the 2nd Century on the remains of the Hellenistic one which was demolished by earthquakes. It was planned to seat around 6.000 people. Excavations have been carried out by the Fethiye Archaeological Museum and a project was drawn up for the restoration of the theatre.
Citadel is by the necropolis and was built on a hill overlooking the city during the 11th Century. Endeavours are under way by the Fethiye Municipality for the restoration of this building.
Fethiye Archaeological Museum has exhibitions valuable works of art from the early Lycian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods. The museum is open for visitors every day except on Mondays. In the ethnographical department, interesting samples of Fethiye's richly accumulated culture are displayed. The landscape of the courtyard at the museum is almost finished and it will be open for visitors in 2008.
PRINCIPAL ANTIQUE CITIES
TLOS: is at a distance of 28 km. to the city centre. It is a sports centre of the Lycian Federation. 4 historical generations can be observed here which presents the continuity of Anatolian life with relevant proofs. It appears in the famous legend of Bellephorontes and the winged-horse Pegasus. The Bloody Ali Aga Palace, the stadium, the gymnasium, Palaestra, the bath, the theatre, the necropolis with the tomb of Bellephorontes are among the works which have reached our day...
PINARA: is at a distance of 34 km. to the city centre, near the Minare Village.
It contains the best sample of Lycian tombs built as pigeon holes on the slopes of the mountains. It is famous for the heart-shaped temple dedicated to Goddess Aphrodite, where beauty contests were held during the Antique period. It is a city worth a visit with its theatre, Odeon and numerous rock tombs, still standing.
XANTHOS: is the administrative centre of the Lycian Federation. Located at a distance of 60 km. from Fethiye, it is within the boundaries of the Kınık Village. Its foundation dates back to 1200 B.C. Mass suicides were committed in this prominent city for the sake of freedom and independence. At present the Acropolis from the Lycian period, the theatre from the Roman times, a church from the period of Christianity and the remains of the gate from the Hellenistic period can be observed. The "Nereid Monument", carried away in 1838, and other major Lycian works of art are exhibited at the British Museum in London.
LETOON: is at a distance of 55 km. from Fethiye, within the boundaries of the Kumluova Settlement. It is the religious centre of the Lycians where the legend of Goddess Leto giving birth to Artemis and Apollon takes place, with three temples dedicated to them. The archaeological excavations continuing since 1962 have proven that the history of the city dates back to the 8th Century B.C. The theatre from the Hellenistic period is still standing.
PATARA. Is the birthplace of Lycian God Apollon and Saint Nikolaus, the symbol of humanism known as Santa Claus, and is a Lycian harbour. It is the longest beach in our country with sands extending along 18 km.
CADIANDA: is in the proximity of the Üzümlü District at a distance of 20 km. to Fethiye. Excavation work has been carried out by the Fethiye Archaeological Museum, and the principal remains are of the sports complex, the theatre, monumental tomb and the agora.
OINEANDA: is located near the İncealiler Village, at a distance of 88 km. from Fethiyer. It is a prominent antique city where there are about three hundred tablets written by Dioghenes, one of the philosophers of the Antique period.
ARAXA: is at a distance of 40 km. to the city centre, within the boundaries of the Ören Village. City walls from the Byzanthian period, the bath, the aqua duct, amphitheatre and the rock tombs from the Lycian times are discernible. Ören is worth a visit with its magnificent canyon, natural panorama, trout pools and countryside restaurants.
SIDYMA: is located near the Dodurga Village, at a distance of 55 km. from Fethiye. It is one of the prominent Lycian cities founded on the slopes of the Taurus mountains. There are a small theatre, water cisterns, a temple, the ruins of a bath, and a magnificent sarcophagus.