Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias temple of aphrodite - Tetrapylon and the monumental entrance gate to Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias (sometimes Afrodisias) is located inland in the Southern Aegean region of Türkiye, in Aydin province, about 30 km west of Denizli (but with no direct road connection). As an archaeological site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it contains some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Türkiye and has perhaps offers a greater value than Ephesus. The nearby village is named Geyre, less than 10 km south of Karacasu.

About Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias (Greek: Ἀφροδισιάς, Aphrodisiás) was a small city in Caria, near the southwest coast of Asia Minor. Its site is located near the modern village of Geyre, Türkiye, about 230 kilometers from İzmir. Aphrodisias was named after Aphrodite and the Greek goddess of love, who had here her unique cult image and the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias.

The city was built near a marble quarry that was extensively exploited in the Hellenistic and Roman periods and sculpture in marble from Aphrodisias became famous in the Roman world. Many examples of statuary have been unearthed in Aphrodisias and some representations of the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias also survive from other parts of the Roman world.

As many pieces of monumental quarried stone were reused in the Late Antique city walls, many inscriptions could and can be easily read without any excavation; the city has therefore been visited and its inscriptions recorded repeatedly in modern times, starting from the early 18th century.

The first formal excavations were undertaken in 1904-5, by a French railroad engineer, Paul Augustin Gaudin. The most recent, ongoing excavations are under the aegis of New York University. The findings reveal that the lavish building programme in the city's civic center was initiated and largely funded by one Gaius Julius Zoilus, a local who was a slave of Gaius Julius Caesar, set free by Octavian. When Zoilus returned as a freedman to his native city, endowed with prestige and rich rewards for his service, he directed it to align with Octavian in his power struggle against Mark Antony. This ensured Octavian Augustus's lasting favor in the form of financial privileges that allowed the city to prosper.

The site is in an earthquake zone and has suffered a great deal of damage at various times, mainly in severe temblors of the 4th and 7th centuries. An added complication was that one of the 4th century earthquakes altered the water table, making parts of the town prone to flooding. Evidence can be seen of emergency plumbing installed to combat this problem. Aphrodisias never fully recovered from the 7th century earthquake and fell into disrepair. Part of the town was covered by the modern village of Geyre; some of the cottages were removed in the 20th century to reveal the older city. A new Geyre has been built a short distance away.

Travel to Aphrodisias

By bus tour

The easiest option is to join a bus tour from one of the travel agencies in Pamukkale for 520 TL pp (usually a minimum of 4 people is required). They depart at 09:30 and come back to Pamukkale at 15:30, so you have about 3 hours to spend at a site.

In the off-season or if you prefer a private excursion, your hotel in Pamukkale may be able arrange a driver to take you for 3190 TL. You can get the price down to 300 TL. (As of October. 2018.) Metro Turizm on the main street of Pamukkale offers a private tour to Laodikeia and Aphrodias for 4190 TL. (Prices as of November 2022 and do not include admission fees.)

There are no travel operators in Denizli organizing tours to Aphrodisias, however you can contact the ones from Pamukkale, for instance, you can try the following: Hermosa tours: +90 258 272 2666, Pamukkale tours +90 258 272 3434, or others you'll be able to find online. And they will pick you up from your Denizli hotel

Travel by Bus

From Denizli you can patch together shuttle vanes to Nazilli and on to Aphrodisias (buses going from Nazilli to Geyre or Tavas will pass by Aphrodisias).

Alternatively, take Denizli-Tavas shuttle van and then hitchhike remaining 30 kilometers to Aphrodisias.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking into Aphrodisias is not difficult. Starting early, it is entirely feasible to start from Fethiye and hitch to Aphrodisias via Muğla and Tavas and have a few hours to see Aphrodisias before it closes. Aphrodisias is just off of the road and you can leave your bags with the security in the museum. If you chat with the security guards for a bit and they will make sure you have a place to pitch your tent.

Travel by vehicle to Aphrodisias

To drive, you will first have to arrive at the city of Nazilli to the northwest or Tavas to the southeast. From these city's, take road D585 and you will see signs showing the way to arrive. From Denizli, it is fastest to arrive from Tavas.

Fees and permits for Aphrodisias

It costs 420 TL (May 2022) for entrance to Aphrodisias, including museum entry. The hours of the park are from 08:30 - 19:00 during the high season, with the museum closing at 18:30 (a security guard stays in the museum all night).

Transportation in Aphrodisias

There is a free parking lot 200 m outside the entrance, on the other side of the primary street. There is also another carpark in the village of Geyre, but they charge 7 TL, which includes the parking fee and the fare for a ride to Aphrodisias. The attendant there might try convincing you that the ride offered is the only easy way to get to the ancient city, but thit is obviously not true — Aphrodisias is just a short walk from there. Another option you can just park in one of the close by side streets for free.

The area can only be explored on foot, but it is mostly flat and wearing sandals would not be a problem. You can see the whole area in 2 hours, but it is best to go slow and take 3 or more hours.

What to See

You will want to leave at least 3 hours to see the site. All locations are easily walkable and within a square kilometer of area. Many eHalal Tour Groups pass through, so an independent visitor would best either see the area earlier in the morning and visit the museum afterward, or start with the museum later in the afternoon (15:00-16:00) and wander around the ruins until the park closes at 19:00 (loosely enforced) to avoid crowds. The area is lovely around sunset.

Aphrodisias Museum

On site, entrance free with entrance to park. Showcasing an incredibly wide range of sculptures, reliefs and other artifacts recovered from the area. You can easily spend an hour in here admiring the sculptures from the famous Aphrodisias school.

Temple of Aphrodite

The Temple of Aphrodite was a focal point of the town, but the character of the building was altered when it became a Christian basilica.

Sarcophagi

Sarcophagi were recovered in various locations, most frequently decorated with designs consisting of garland and columns.

Bouleuterion

The Bouleuterion (Council House) is centered on the north side of the North Agora. As it stands today, it consists of a semicircular auditorium fronted by a shallow stage structure about 46 m wide. The lower part of the auditorium survives intact, with nine rows of marble seats divided into five wedges by radial stairways. The seating of the upper part, amounting to an additional twelve rows, has collapsed together with its supporting vaults. The plan is an extremely open one, with numerous entrances at ground level and several stairways giving access to the upper rows of seats. A system of massive parallel buttresses shows that the building was originally vaulted. The auditorium would have been lighted by a series of tall, arched windows in the curved outer wall. Seating capacity is estimated at about 1750.

Sebasteion

Aphrodisias - Sebasteion - Sebasteion

The Sebasteion, or Augusteum, is being restored and replicated by New York University. It is located close to the museum and was jointly dedicated, according to a 1st-century inscription on its propylon, "To Aphrodite and the Divine Augusti and the People". A relief found in the ruins of the south portico represented a personification of the polis making sacrifice to the cult image of Aphrodite of Aphrodisias, venerated as promētōr, "foremother" or "ancestral mother". This connection between the goddess and the imperial house was also a particularly politic one at the time, as the Gens Julia - the family of Julius Caesar, Octavian Augustus and their immediate successors - claimed divine descent from Venus/Aphrodite.

Stadium

Probably the best preserved of its kind in the Mediterranean except, perhaps, for the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. It measured 262 m by 59 m and was used for athletic events until the theatre was badly damaged by a 7th-century earthquake, requiring part of the stadium to be converted for events previously staged in the theatre.

Agora

There are two agora. The South Agora is impressively preserved and holding around 7,000 people.

Bathhouse

A nicely preserved building showing different room for changing and bathing. An important civic center and place of leisure for the denizens of the city.

Inscriptions

The quality of the marble in Aphrodisias has also resulted in an unusually large number of inscribed items surviving in the city. More than 2000 inscriptions have been recorded by the New York excavators, many of them re-used in the city walls. Most inscriptions are from the Imperial period, with funerary and honorary texts being particularly well-represented, but there are a handful of texts from all periods from the Hellenistic to Byzantine.

Shopping in Aphrodisias

There is a museum shop on site. You can also buy maps of the area, not included in the entrance fee, for about 20 TL.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Aphrodisias

There is a cafe on site. Besides that and there are a few restaurants outside the park across the road from the entrance and up to a few kilometeres northwest on the road outside Aphrodisias.

Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Aphrodisias

eHalal Group Aphrodisias is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Aphrodisias. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Aphrodisias.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Aphrodisias ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Aphrodisias. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Aphrodisias, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Aphrodisias are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Aphrodisias

Ramadan 2025 in Aphrodisias

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are a few options for sleeping around Aphrodisias.

• Aphrodisias Hotel/Restaurant/Camping | Inexpensive place to stay.

• Anatolia Restaurant/Camping | ☎ +90 256 - 448 81 38
• Altinuç Restaurant/Camping | ☎ +90 256 441 2829

Go camping in Aphrodisias

If you are looking to camp in a tent for minimal or no cost, you can do so outside the entrance to the park by the cemetery. Closer to the road near the intersection of the main (only) road into Geyre and there is a source of spring water for hand, foot and face washing. Water is good to drink. You can likely ask permission from either the security in the museum around the time it closes (about 18:30) or at the military (jandarma) post just outside the entrance. They will show you to an area. Another option would be to walk out to one of the many fields around the park and pitch your tent under one of the many olive trees, or ask permission from a family in the area.

Where to travel next from Aphrodisias

If you do not have your own transport, you will likely return with the tour you came with. To get to Denizli, look for shuttle vanes toward Tavas and transfer there at the bus station (otogar). Otherwise, shuttle vanes run along the road to the larger towns north and south of the area, perhaps 1-2 per hour. Park staff will likely be able to help you.

Hitchhiking from Aphrodisias should not present much challenge. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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