Muğla's 6,000 years of history mirrored in its ancient ruins

Home to some of the most ancient civilizations known to mankind, the province of Muğla in southwestern Turkey is included on the UNESCO Temporary Cultural Heritage List and attracts nearly 1 million local and international tourists every year with its archaeological sites and breathtaking views of the Fethiye and Antalya Gulfs.

Having witnessed the birth and fall of the Carians and Lycians, Muğla takes visitors on a journey through history with a total of 192 archaeological sites. With its historic and cultural richness, Muğla is considered an "open-air museum" of the Aegean region of Turkey.

The modern province of Muğla was established on the remains of the Carians and Lycians and is one of the most important tourist hubs in Turkey thanks to its historic and cultural potential. Speaking to the press, Muğla Governor Amir Çiçek said that the city is located in a very crucial position in Turkey.



"On one side, the city is exposed to the Aegean culture and the on the other side is fed by cultures of Central and Northern Anatolia. The geographical position of Muğla is very important for the east of the Mediterranean and the west of Anatolia," Governor Çiçek added.

Claiming that Muğla is a well-preserved city, Çiçek continued, "Every part of Anatolia is rich in terms of archaeological sites and ancient cultures but Muğla is quite different. The history and culture is more preserved in Muğla as the historic and cultural values managed to survive without being spoiled until the present time. Hence, the city attracts both domestic and international tourists."

"There are a total of 192 archaeological sites in the city and 22 of these sites have been taken under protection and the landscapes have been prepared for tourists," he continued.

After Muğla was added to UNESCO's Temporary Cultural Heritage List, archaeologists have excavated many historic sites, contributing to the increase of tourism in the area which officials predict will continue to bring more visitors to the province in the future.

Nearly all archaeological excavations in Muğla as well as the rest of Anatolia are supported by Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry. Considered one of the most crucial discoveries in the province, the Tomb of King Hecatomnus of Caria was excavated with the support of the Ministry and the restoration of the tomb is expected to be completed in the near future.

"Excavations are continuing at full speed in nearly all districts of Muğla," Governor Çiçek said. "The artifacts that have been unearthed at these sites are being displayed in museums across the province in attestment to the success of the provincial governorate in protecting the cultural and historic relics of Muğla, preserving pieces of history that span centuries."

Governor Çiçek shared plans to establish open air museums in Muğla, saying that the first step to be taken will be the inauguration of the Tomb of King Hecatomnus of Caria and its surroundings which will be open to visitors soon.

Muğla, with a history spanning 6,000 years, was a very important hub during the reign of the Lycians. However, the city managed to preserve its importance under Carian rule as well as the rule of the Menteşe Beylik. Thanks to recent archaeological discoveries, the city once again caught the eye of the international and Turkish tourists.

"With its archaeological sites, Muğla is and will continue to be one of the most important cultural centers of the world. The ancient city remains and excavations being carried out are under close monitoring by archaeologists, historians and academics from around the world," the governor said.

Milas, one of the districts of Muğla, is home to the most important archaeological discoveries in the region. Heromos, the well-preserved Roman temple in Turkey is located in Milas. Beçin, which is five kilometers from Milas, is home to the oldest tombs that have ever been discovered in the region. Moreover, Muğla was an important hub during the beylik era and the remains of castles dating back to Menteşe Beylik proves that Muğla was an attraction for the Turkic beyliks back then.

The ancient city of Stratonicea which is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the province is also the biggest ancient city in the world which was built with marble. The excavations of the ancient city unearthed various artifacts belonging to the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines.