Mediterranean Region has been hosting civilizations for centuries. Soli Pompeipolis is one of the sites that had a glorious silhouette. Also it was the site of sun. ;

Soli was constructed as a port city. It had an autonomous rule and they printed coins in the name of the site.It was built in the name of sun. Soli had tough times after 1st century BC. Then Roman commander Pompeius came and reformed the order. So the city was named as “Soli Pompeipolis” after his coming. He settled some pirates to the city. Emperor Hadrianus financed the investments in the city. Also it was a diocese in Roman period. Arab attacks destroyed the life in the city.

Soli Pompeipolis was a famous site and it had a great architecture. Even today the ruins show us how glorious it was.

Seleukeia ancient site was one of the important sites that had names on historical records. Firstly we can come across its name in the chronicles of mariners “Stadiasmus Maris Mayni” as Seleukeia. It had a sacred identity. It was surrounded with walls and a great architecture had been formed in the city.

There is an unique mosaic named ” Seven wise mosaic”. This mosaic is in the library complex of the city. Also the gate of the city is the another monument .

Idebessos ancient site is one of the sites that are in Antalya county border. It was in unity of Lycia. This is the story;

Idebessos site was founded as a site of Lycian Unity. It was surrounded with walls and it was decorated with great theater. The city was bright in Roman period. Baths were built. Byzantine period was the period when it lost its importance.

Idebessos iss one of the archeological sites that the excavations haven’t been done. So we have a little information on this site. As you see the picture, the tombs are very impressive. It means that it has a great historical background.

Agrilion was one of the sites that were close to Constantinople. It was the earliest settlement of the region. Also it was the target of civilizations. Let’s listen to Agrilion;

This settlement area was dated back to 3000 BC. Many ancient residents were built in the region. Mining was the major economical activity. The political development was provided Hittites and Phrygians. It was a developed site. Then Persian Empire invaded the region in 6th century BC. Bthynian Kingdom took the control of the region around 300 BC. Then Bthynian Kingdom united to Roman Empire and became the state of Roman Empire. After this period, East Roman Empire took over the region. Then Turks came to region.

Due to urbanization, the ruins are under the modern settlement. The archeological site couldn’t be excavated because of urbanization. It is certain that it hides valuable information on the region.

There were special sites that had different features. Dorylaion was one of them. It is located nearby Central Peninsula of today. This is the story;

We went to a Phrygian city. Its name was Dorylaion. It was a beautiful and rich trade city. The city was decorated with glorious and great buildings. In addition to impressive architecture, there were every sort of joy that a person could want. Also it had rich water sources. Trade made the city rich and glorious. Its location was so nice that the environment was peaceful and great. Also it was the junction point of trade routes.

We witnessed an interesting religious ritual here. But it was a terrific ritual. Puppies were presented as dinner to visitors. It could have a spiritual purpose but we couldn’t understand that very well.

It was a worth visiting site in that period.

Eastern Anatolia hosted many civilizations. Çıldır Lake is one of the regions that the civilization grew up. This is the story;

This island had a settlement for 5000 years it is thought. But there are a few items or buildings on the ground. As the archeological studies hadn’t been done, we don’t have enough info on the historical background. It is certain that there are more than it is appeared.

As we know that Persian Empire hadn’t dominated this landscape for a long time. But they left us undeniable traces in this landscape. Persians left some temples here. One of them is located nearby our Iran border in present.

We don’t have significant information on the history of the temple due to the lack of document. Also there are no more ruins or proofs of the facility. We can see the relief of Zoroastrianism symbol.

Persian Empire dominated this peninsula and they designed their ruling system different. They had states with the governors here. Also they built temples to pray Parsee. The principle was easy; do whatever you want if all aims the good purpose.

The urbanization is the biggest danger for the history of big cities. There are many monuments in order to see the historical background of Bursa. Theotokos Monastery is one of them;

It was built in 12th century AD. It was religious school of the city. It had been active till the exchange of society in 1922. It was one of the historical items in Bursa.

This church is the sample of small churches in Small Asia. It is known that it was built around 10th century AD. Also it was used as praying facility till 17th century. It is located in Artvin county of Turkey.

We know that we can see many churches like this. It is like the traditional church architecture.

Tieion ancient site is one of the ancient sites in Black Sea. It is located in Zonguldak county of Turkey.

A priest named ” Tios” was leader of Greek community. They established Tieion on the coast of Black Sea. Roman Empire ruined the city but they reconstructed the site. Then it became a fishing center.

Not only Aegean side and also Black Sea is also hosting important ancient sides.