The name Arycanda is translated as the place on the slopes of high hills. It is one of the cities built on terraces ascending a slope in the Country of Light, Lycia, concealed between the Bey Mountains. When you arrive in Arycanda and see the steep cliffs, you will realize that the city well deserves its name. Sir Charles Fellows, a traveller who visited Arycanda in 1838, could not help himself when he exclaimed “Everything is wonderful here”, after he had set eyes upon the area”s breathtaking mountain views. Without a doubt, these words were uttered while he stood under the blue sky and looked out over the beautiful hills and magnificent landscape. Homer describes Lycia as a country where the sea has seven colors, and in which Arycanda is one of the most interesting of ancient cities. It is a certainty that a brief walk through the city will carry you back to times long gone.
Although early artifacts discovered in Arycanda place the city”s beginnings in the 5th century B.C., experts have reason to believe the city actually dates back to 2000 B.C. In 1971, excavations revealed the secret of Arycanda, an acropolis that had been hidden beneath the earth”s surface for centuries. Excavations are still being carefully carried out today under the direction of Professor Dr. Cevdet Bayburtoğlu. The city on the slopes of the Bey Mountains still keeps its secrets. It is known that Arycanda was initially under Persian rule and that it became prosperous in the 5th century B.C. Alexander the Great conquered the city in 333 B.C. After his death, the city came under the rule of Ptolemies, followed by Seleucus.
In the 2nd century B.C. Arycanda became a member of the Lycian League and started to mint its own coins. In 43 A.D., Arycanda became part of the Roman Empire under the command of Emperor Claudius and again began to prosper. Following an earthquake in 141 A.D., the city suffered great damage, though it recovered quickly due, in part, to contributions collected by local citizens. However, Arycanda was not able to rebound from an earthquake in August 240 A.D. and thereafter fell into a steady decline. During Byzantine times it was called Orykanda and Akalanda and became a governing centre for the Myra Metropolis religion.Even after conversion to Christianity, Pagan beliefs continued to be held by many people in the city. As a result the city was divided into two parts, with churches to be found in one half only. Arycanda was decreed a town as well as religious centre in the early Byzantine Era, which developed little even following Arab invasions and the crusades. From the 11th century on, the Turcomen gained control over the area. The settlements expanded throughout the area during the Ottoman period and then into the era of the Republic.
The Architectural Structure of the Archeological City
The architectural remnants of Arycanda are found on the east and west slopes of the Bey Mountains. The flood plain lying along the north-south direction is immediately apparent. The sub-terrace on the hills, which determined the architectural structure of the city, was the place where many exciting competitions were held. The gymnasium, baths, theatre on the terrace, odeon with its raised stage for musical shows, stadium where races were held, small baths and agora market place all make up the basic historical characteristics of Arycanda. Visitors can explore the Traian and Helios temples as well as the Sebasteion temple, which was for the worship of Emperors. The Basilica on Nal Hill, with the church building and Necropolis Church, are among the most important remains of the city.
Arycanda, which is nestled on the slopes of the Bey Mountains, remains a city both illuminated and partially hidden in the Country of Light. It silently and patiently awaits visitors. If you visit Arycanda in summer, you will find students participating in archaeological digs, inhabitants of Arif village and Professor Dr. Bayburluoğlu, who devotes all his time and effort to the city. Excavations are still underway on the Roman layer of the city which includes villas built on the slopes where beautiful mosaics have come to light.
How to get there? The ancient city is 26 km from the Turunçova district on the Kumluca-Finike main road. Tours can easily be arranged from Antalya. Your travel itinerary can also be expanded to include other ancient cities along the Antalya to Finike/Kumluca road.
Things to do After walking the streets of Arykanda, you might choose to rest while dangling your feet in the Aykırı River, which is very close to the ruins and “gözleme” sellers (Turkish savoury pancake) The source of the river, known as “the eye of water” is a popular spot for weary tourists. And don”t forget to try barbequed fresh fruit and corn before you leave.
Resource: Turkish Daily News
