Arykanda (Finike- Elmali)
Updated: Jan 23
Arykanda: The Ancient City Nestled Amidst the Bey Mountains:
Unearth the history of Arykanda, an intriguing hillside city that thrived amidst the towering peaks of the Bey Mountains.
Introduction:
Arykanda, positioned at the foot of the imposing rock named Şahinkaya, offers a vivid tapestry of Lycian history. Its strategic location lends its name, which in Luwian translates to "The Place near the High Rock."
Discovering Arykanda:
In 1838, the curious explorer-traveller Charles Fellows stumbled upon Arykanda. Through inscriptions on tombs and coins found on the surface, he was the first to pinpoint this ancient city's location.
Historical Highlights:
1. Flourishing Eras: The heart of Arykanda's life pulsed the strongest during the Hellenistic and Roman Periods. Architectural remnants, like rock tombs dating back to the end of the 4th century BC, still echo tales from these periods.
2. A Vital Lycian Junction: While not a dominant political entity in Lycian history, Arykanda's significance lay in its strategic location. Serving as a crucial crossroad for Eastern Lycia, the city thrived, notably due to the timber trade.
3. The Roman Glory: Rich water sources and the city's strategic location transformed Arykanda into a secure resting haven during the Roman Imperial Era. Its zenith was reached between 2-3 AD, making it a bustling city for centuries.
Architectural Splendors:
1. Terraced Structures: As a typical hillside settlement, Arykanda boasts structures built on terraces. These include the gymnasium and bath on the lower terrace and the theatre, Odeon, stadium, agora, and a smaller bath on the upper terrace.
2. Religious Edifices: The acropolis houses the Temples of Trajan and Helios, and there's a basilica in Nal Tepe and a church within the eastern necropolis.
3. Protective Terraces: Unique to Arykanda, the city lacks traditional fortification walls. Instead, the terrace walls stand tall, offering protection to its inhabitants.
Conclusion:
Arykanda's historical allure is undeniable. Built on terraces, surrounded by the towering cliffs and steep terrains of the Bey Mountains, it stands as a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of ancient civilizations. Today, as you tread its terraces, you're invited to step back into a time of thriving trade and architectural marvels.
