AFYON

Afyonkarahisar is located on an intersection which connects north to south, west to east. Town is a potential tourism centre with its rich historical background.

Area: 14.230 km²

Population: 739.223 (1990)

Traffic Code: 03

Districts : Başmakçı, Bayat, Bolvadin, Çay, Çobanlar, Dazkırı, Dinar, Emirdağ, Evciler, Hocalar, İhsaniye, İscehisar, Kızılören, Sandıklı, Sincanlı, Sultandağı ve Şuhut'tur.


How to Get

Highway and railway facilities are available.

Coach Station Tel : (+90-272) 212 09 63

Railway station Tel : (+90-272) 2l3 79 l9

Where to Visit

ANCIENT CITIES

İhsaniye Ayazini Town (Metropolis) Ayazini town can be reached by turning right and getting 4.7 kilometre from the 27th km of Afyon-Eskişehir Highway. It is known to be used as a settlement since the Phyrigian period. Cave tomb rooms made for singles or families dated at Roman and Byzantine Periods, churches of Byzantine period and cave settlements are all engraved on rock due to the suitability of the land. Tomb rooms with lions and tomb rooms with columns moreover churches and chapels that are engraved on rock can be seen in the ancient city.

İhsaniye Döğer Settlement Located 12 km from İhsaniye and known to be used as a settlement since Phyrigians. Lion rock, Gate Rock I and II and the rock monuments

built in the 7th Century BC in the name of Goddess Cybele has the quality of being an open-air temple. Moreover, Phyrigian settlements are located in Asar and Old Döğer. Various cave settlements , tomb rooms and churches dated at Roman and Byzantine Period can be visited in the ancient settlement.

Synnada Located at Şuhut town centre , Synnada is a huge city which was once the capital of central Phyrig during Roman and Byzantine Periods.

Apameia Located in Dinar , the previous name of Apameia was Keleneia. In ancient times it was known to be the second biggest city after Efes.

Docimeium Located at İscehisar town centre, the city was built by Macedonians.

Amorium Located at Hisarköy Village the history of the city can be traced to Late Bronze Age. The city was called as Aura in the Period of Hittites and as Amorium in the Classic Age.

PENTAPOLIS CITIES

Bruzus Located in Karasandıklı Village, it is one of the five cities that are called as Pentapolis. It is located at the north of other cities.

Eucarpeia Located at Emirhisar village in Sandıklı , Eucarpeia is one of the five Pentapolis cities

Hieropolis Located at Koçhisar village in Sandıklı ,Hierpolis is one of the Pentapolis cities. At the same time, the city was the centre of the Phrygia Salutaris (Curative Phrygia). Also it was named as the "Holy City".

Otrus Being one of the Pentapolis cities, Otrus was built in Yanıkören village.

Stectorıum Being one of the Pentapolis cities, it was built in Menteş town, Sandıklı district.

Ococleia Located in Karacaören village, Şuhut district. The city with its partly autonomous status during Roman Period, minted bronze coins in the name of the Emperor collectively with Bruzus City.

Lysias Located in Arızlı village, Şuhut.

Metropolis Founded at Tatarlı town in Dinar district; it is known as Campus Metropolitanus or Phrygia Metropolis.

Cidyessus Located at Küçükhöyük town Sincanlı district nearby Höyük locality.

Prymnessus is one of the great cities that was founded by the Phyrigians in Sülün Village Merkez district. Moreover, the huge sized Hercules statue taking place in this ancient city is exhibited in Afyon Archaeology Museum.

Sanaus founded at Sarıkavak village, Dazkırı district.

ARCHEOLOGICAL PLACES

Göynüş Valley Open Air Temple It is located at Kayıhan quarter in İhsaniye county.One can reach the Temple through turning left and going 1,5 km from the 32nd km. of Afyon-Eskişehir Highway. In the valley, Göynüş Citadel, Aslantaş and Yılantaş tomb rooms that has embossed lion figures, Maltaş Cybele Open Air Temple can be visited.

Sarıçayır(Selimiye) Rock Tombs Upon the rocky territory around Sarıçayır village İscehisar county, engraved single- family tomb rooms , tombs and shelters dated at Byzantine Period.

Şuhut - Bininler Rocky Places Located at 6 km west of Şuhut, Bininler is a rocky territory near Senir village.The Settlement contains animal barns and residences for people.On the lower foot of the rocky territory, which is in reality a Byzantine settlement, the remains of Byzantine church and monastery still exists. Moreover ,there are covered tombs from Late Roman Period that are engraved on rocks.

Bolvadin - Kemerrock Seven Gate Rock Settlement Place: Located on Bolvadin-Emirdağ Highway, 3 km north of Bolvadin Kemerkaya. As a result of the excavations, a complex building group that are estimated to be possible military garrison or administrative buildings engraved on rocks and some parts of Underground City that is used as a shelter by people . Excavations about the settlements dating back to the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods are still in progress.

Bolvadin - Kırkgöz (Forty eyes) Bridge The bridge is located in Bolvadin district, on Akarçay which flows to Eber Lake. The bridge consists of two parts as north and south.The South part of the bridge is constructed by Byzantine Emperor Manuel Kommen I with marble and chipped basalt stones. On the other hand, the northern part of the bridge is built by Mimar Sinan. He enhanced arches to 64 and added a small mosque and inscription .

CASTLES

Afyon Castle The history of the Castle can be traced to 1350 BC. On the top of the Castle are various worship places dedicated to Main Goddess Cybele and 4 large cisterns (water holes). During the period of Seljukian Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad the castle was restored by the castle commander Ulumar Bedrettin Gevhertaş , a small mosque was added and a palace was constructed near the castle.

İscehisar - Kırkinler and Seydiler Castle The castle is located in Seydiler village in İscehisar district, Kırkinler is on the 32nd km.of Afyon-Ankara Highway. A settlement place, a church, a chapel and rocky masses used as tombs that were built in Byzantine Period still remain in the historical place.

NATIONAL & NATURAL PARKS

NATURAL PROTECTION AREAS

Afyon - Dandindere Nature Reserve

Location: Dandindere (Dandin River) Nature Reserve is 30km from Emirdag, northeast of Afyon, in the Aegean Region.

Transportation: Afyon is easily accessible by bus from all over the country, and the nature reserve is off the main highway to Elmadag.

Highlights: The park, covering an area of 260 hectares, is known for its groves of the rare Taurus Cedar tree (Cetrus Libani) which normally grows in southern Turkey. The Dandin River, which forms the northern boundary of the cedars, has been made a nature reserve in order to carry out scientific research and educational projects, and to encourage the preservation of the area. There are also many different varieties of juniper. Foxes, wolves, badgers, pigs, rabbits, partridges and quails also inhabit the park.

ORNITHOLOGY AREAS

Akdağ

City: Denizli, Afyon

Provinces: Çivril, Kızılören, Sandıklı

Surface Area : 42394

Altitude : 900 - 2446 m

Protection: Yes

Bird Species: It gains important bird areas status with birds of prey, such as kara akbaba (3 pairs), kızıl akbaba (3 pairs), sakallı akbaba (1 pairs) and küçük kartal (4 pairs).

Main Characteristics: mountain, forest

Acıgöl

City: Afyon, Denizli

Provinces: Dazkırı, Başmakçı Gölü, Çardak Gölü

Surface Area : 21000

Altitude: 836 m

Protection: partially

Bird Species: Angıt, reproduced both within marshes, and surrounding mountains, can be seen with huge numbers during whole year. On 1993, a flamingo colony, composed of approximately 150 lairs, is determined within Acıgöl. As this registry make Acıgöl one of the five areas, in which flamingos are reproduced within Turkey, reproduction is thought to not to be realized every year. Area, at the same time, It gains important bird areas status with üreyen kılıçgaga, akça cılıbıt, mahmuzlu kızkuşu and gülen sumru populations.

Main Characteristics: salt lake, steppe

Akşehir and Eber Lakes

City: Konya, Afyon

Provinces: Bolvadin, Çay, Sultandağı, Akşehir, Tuzlukçu

Surface Area : 53600

Altitude: Lake Akşehir 966 m, Lake Eber 967 m

Protection: Yes

Bird Species: It is an important reproduction area for küçük karabatak (50 pairs) and tepeli pelikan (a few pairs). Balıkçıl are reproducing in reed islands within Lake Akşehir as mixed colonies, and there are also alaca balıkçıl (70 pairs), erguvani balıkçıl (50 pairs), çeltikçi (50 pairs) and kaşıkçı (15 pairs) among these. Pasbaş patka (10 pairs) and gülen sumru (20 pairs) on sand islands between reeds, and büyük cılıbıt is breeding around the lake. You can face with numerous sakarca (max. 15.900) during winter. Area gains important bird areas status as shelter region during immigration for pelikan (max. 2000) and çeltikçi (max. 1536).

Main Characteristics: sweet water lakes, swamp

THERMAL SPRINGS

Important springs Hüdai Thermal Tourism Centre, Gazlıgöl Thermal Tourism Centre also Ömer and Gecek Thermal Tourism Centre.

Ömer and Gecek Thermal Resort

Location: North-west of Afyon, on the highway to Kutahya.

Transport: 15 km from Afyon. The nearest airport is in Isparta, 150 km south.

Water temperature: Between 51° - 98° C.

pH value: 6.5 - 7.3

Physical and chemical properties: Chlorine, bicarbonate, sodium, iron (4.9 mg/l), arsenic (l/15 mg/l.), carbon dioxide (423.1 mg/l.), metaboric acid (24.7 mg/l.), fluoride (4.32 mg/l.) and boron (10 mg/l.).

Recommended applications: Drinking, bathing and inhaling.

Helps to heal: Rheumatism, skin conditions, cardiovascular and digestive disorders, calcium deposits and aching joints, liver and gall bladder problems, eating and nervous disorders, gynaecological disorders.

Accommodation: Orucoglu Thermal Resort (4 star) - 428 beds. Omer Thermal Resort - 315 beds. Gecek Resort - 130 beds.

Gazlıgöl Thermal Resort

Location: 22km north of Afyon, on the highway to Eskisehir highway near Demiryolu.

Transportation: The nearest airport is in Isparta, 150 km south.

Water temperature: Between 40° - 71° C.

pH value: 6 - 7.5

Physical and chemical properties: Bicarbonate, sodium, hydrogen sulfide (3.75 mg/l.) and carbon dioxide (360 mg/l.), and metaboric acid (47.79 mg/l). Classified as hyperthermal (64°C) and hypertonic. br>

Helps to heal: Rheumatism, cardiovascular disorders, kidney and urinary tract conditions, liver-gall bladder dysfunction, disorders of digestive system and poor metabolism, calcium deposits and skin conditions.

Accommodation: Gazligol Thermal Facilities - 240 beds.

Hüdayi Thermal Resort

Location: 66km south-west of Afyon, 7km south-west of Sandikli.

Transport: Buses from Afyon. Nearest airport is Isparta, 150km south.

Water temperature: 70°C

pH value: 6.3 - 6.9

Physical and chemical properties: Sodium, calcium, sulphur, bicarbonate, fluoride and carbon dioxide, and is radioactive.

Helps to heal: Rheumatic ailments, aches and cramps, cardiovascular disorders, calcium deposits and aching joints, mental and muscular fatigue, nervous disorders and gynaecological disorders.

Accommodation: Kaplica Hotel - 64 beds. Yeni Thermal Hotel - 264 beds.

Geography

Afyon is an intersection place at the west of Anatolia and as a natural gate it binds north to south, west to east. Winters are cold and snowy, Summers are hot and dry, spring and autumns are rainy on the other hand a classic steppe climate is seen .

History

Afyonkarahisar takes its name both from the castle at the south of the city and opium plant. Begining from 7000 BC till today cultures passing from Calcolithic to Late Bronze Age, Hittite, Phyrig, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Civilizations located in the borders of the city. After the conquest of Anatolia by Seljuk Turks on 1071 Afyonkarahisar was taken under the rule of Turks. After this date Afyonkarahisar was dominated by; Seljuk State, Sahipoğulları Principality, Germiyanoğulları Principality and finally in 1428 by Ottoman Empire.

Where to Eat

The kitchen of Afyon is rich with its great variety of meals . Sakala suop, zürbiye, duvaklı turkey, sırtsırta (double turkey), aubergine pastry, karnıyarık, flaky pastry filled with poppy, şepit are some of the examples of the local meals. Cızdırma, hamursuz, övme, cimcik hamuraşı, creamy bread kadayıf are some of the delicious examples of pastry.

What to Buy

Hand woven carpets coloured by pure root dye of Bayat district and hand woven silk carpets of Dazkırı are original productions of the region. They can be bought from various stores in the city centre.

Don't Leave Without

- Experiencing curative waters of Afyon's Thermal Springs,

- Visiting İhsaniye-Ayazin (Metropolis) region, Sandıklı Akdağ -Tokalı Canyon, Peri Bacaları (Fairy Chimneys) at İscehisar,

- Visiting Afyon Archaeology Museum, Ulu Mosque, İmaret Mosque, Afyon Castle,

- Tasting Creamy bread kadayıf,

- Buying Bayat's root dyed rugs and Dazkırı's silk carpets

Sites

Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Afyon

Sites

Archeological Sites: 113

Urban Sites: 1

Natural Sites: 16

Historical Sites: 6

Other Sites

Archeological and Natural Sites: 26

Archeological and Urban Sites: 1

Historical and Urban Sites: 1

Total: 164

Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural

Heritages: 675

TOTAL: 839

Contact Information

Provincial Cultural Directorate

Tel: (272) 213 76 00

State Fine Arts Galeries Directorate

AFYON Tel: (0 272) 214 20 28

Fax: (0 272) 213 76 01

Museum

Afyon Museum Address: Kurtuluş Cad. Afyon

Tel: (272) 215 11 91

Historical Sites and Ruins

Metropolis - İhsaniye/Ayazin Village Apemeia - Dinar/Center Amorium - Emirdağ/Hisarköy

Governorship : (+90-272) 215 12 46 - 215 06 60

Municipality : (+90-272) 214 42 55 - 215 22 53

Hospital : (+90-272) 212 08 02

Police : (+90-272) 213 80 04 - 213 80 05

Gendarme : (+90-272) 213 71 83

Provincial Directorate of touris : (+90-272) 213 54 47 - 214 12 21

Tourism Information Office : (+90-272) 213 54 47 - 214 12 21

Provincial Directorate of Culture : (+90-272) 213 76 00

LİNKLER

Afyon Governorship http://www.afyon.gov.tr/

Aydın Municipality http://www.aydin-bld.gov.tr

Menderes University http://www.adu.edu.tr/