Fethiye; The Starting Point of The Lycian Way

Fethiye; The Starting Point of The Lycian Way

Yazının Türkçesini Okumak İçin Tıklayın Fethiye Gezi Rehberi

    Fethiye was once knowns as "Megri" which means "distant land". This distant land hosted the Lycians or "people of the land of lights" as well as the later Byzantine and Ottoman Emrpires. Fethiye has been home to a variety of civilizations and it has retained its beauty until present day.

Fethiye History

    Fethiye is among the most important historical areas in Turkey. The district, which was the home of Lycia in antiquity, was also known as Telmessos. Fethiye came under the rule of Persia, Egypt, Rome and Byzantium and was included within the territory of the Ottoman Empire in 1424. Its name was later changed  to Meğri and finally to Fethiye in the memory of Mr. Fethi, one of the earliest Turkish pilots who died in an air accident in 1914.

    Göcek, Ölüdeniz (literally Dead Sea, due to its calm waters), Butterfly Valley, Faralya Village and Kabak Bay are all towns of the province of Fethiye. Saklıkent was also within the borders of Fethiye until it changed municipalities last year. However, it is still within the region and worth visiting.

Setting off From Göcek and Boat Tours

    We began exploring Fethiye from Göcek. The marinas draw your attention as soon as you step in Göcek, which is a frequent destination of blue voyage cruises. You can hop aboard daily boat tours to explore the bays if you like. The bays of Göcek, are silent and green.

    Yanıklar, Kargı Bay, Çiftlik and Çalış beaches are among some of the most popular destinations around the Fethiye city center. Yanıklar is mesmerizing with its village atmosphere by the sea. Çalış Beach is popular for its sunsets and windsurfing. The beach is also among the protected sites where Carreta Carretas lay their eggs.

Home of Ancient Cities

    There are many ancient cities in Fethiye and its surrounding region thanks to civilizations which wrere located there throughout the centuries. The Lycian rock tomb in Fethiye city center, Tlos, on Saklıkent road, Pınara the home of the first beauty contest, which is 55 km from Fethiye, Caunos, Letoon, the Telmessos Ancient Theater and Kayaköy, also known as ghost village, are among the important ancient settlements.

Active City Center of Fethiye

    There is a historical bazaar in Fethiye city center, Paspatur. The bazaar, which has continued trade at the intersection of the historical Lycian Castle and the sea for centuries, now hosts stores, restaurants and cafes. Visit the fish market to buy and eat some fish when you are there.

    Try snow sherbet at the bazaar, which is set in the city center on Fridays. The beverage, which is produced by mixing concentrated fruit with ice from the mountains, is popular in Fethiye. Source; The Gate 09

Amynthas Rock Tombs (Lycian Rock Tombs)

    Among the numerous rock tombs carved in the steep slopes of the southern hills of Fethiye, facing north amd easily seen from the valley below, the most famous one is that of Amynthas, son of Hermapias. The tomb, which has been dated 4th Century BC by the epigraphic studies, is in the form of the frontal of an "in antis" style Ionian Temple, reflected on rock surface. A long stair has been constructed at the end of the path to reach the tomb. By the end of the stairs, the tomb is reached climbing the 4 stepped crepidoma. At first sight, Ionian columns carved out of solid rock, attracts attention. Right behind the columns, at the upper parts of the frontal walls, one of the left and the other on the right side of the chamber, three emblems on each wall are recognized. The emblems on the western frontal wall, has been eroded by underground water seeping through the main rock. On top of the Ionian Style columns, two stepped architrave and above that, geisophodes take place. On the pediment there are acroliths, one of which has been totally destroyed and the other two partially damaged. The entrance to the burial chamber is the same as the entrance of a temple with anthis type planning. The wood and metal ornamental works has been skilfully imitated on rock. The metal nail imitations can easily be seen on the 4 panel door. The Amynthas Tomb and others in the vicinity are best examples that reflect the wooden architecture of Lykia.

    Some columns of this group of rock tombs, now symbol of the town, have been broken due to erosion by naturel factors.