Aydin Cine Places to Visit
One of the first places that comes to mind when it comes to tourism in Turkey is undoubtedly the Aegean Region. There are beautiful cities and holiday resorts in the Aegean Region. This region attracts a lot of attention with its nature and historical places. Therefore, it is preferred by millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year.
Cine district of Aydin province also hosts thousands of tourists every year. It becomes the focus of many tourists due to its magnificent nature and many places to visit.
Alabanda Ancient City
Alabanda Ancient City (Alabanda). The ancient city, which attracts the attention of many people, is located within the borders of Doganyurt village, which is connected to the Cine district. Although the exact date of establishment of the city is not known, the foundation year of the city is BC. It is thought to date back to the 3rd century. The ancient city of Alabanda takes its name from the snow god they call Alabandos.
The people of the city, dedicated to the gods Apollo and Zeus, lived in prosperity. The minting of coins in the city dates back to approximately BC. It begins in the 3rd century. Although there are different figures on the minted coins, there is usually a representative figure of a flying horse called Pegasus. Nearly ninety percent of the Alabanda Ancient City, which is said to be as important as the Ancient City of Ephesus by historians, is underground.
- Walls: BC The walls, which were built in the 4th century and completely surround the ancient city, have a length of approximately 5 kilometers. Although not all of the walls have survived to the present day, the visible parts and the chipped stonework it exhibits attract the attention of many people.
- City Building: The parliament building, located in the northern part of the city, has a total of 6 entrances. Although not much has survived from the building, its general outlines are clearly visible. The semi-circular rows of seats and the ornaments made with plasters on the upper part of the walls on the north attract attention.
- Agora: The market place, called the agora, whose excavations are still ongoing, is located to the south of the parliament building.
- Bath: Although the bath, located in the middle of the city in the city, was built in accordance with the architecture of the period, the majority of the building is in the form of a ruin.
- Theatre: Built on a hill, the theater has a capacity of approximately 6,200 people. Other parts of the theater, where the seats are made of marble, are built using gneiss rock stones and granite. Even though it has been repaired several times in Byzantine and Roman times after the period it was put into service, it reflects the Hellenistic architecture. It is said that it was used as an arena for purposes such as famous gladiator fights and wild animal fights in general.
- Temple of Apollo: It is among the important structures of the Alabanda Ancient City. Archaeological excavations are carried out in the temple and its surroundings, and as a result of these studies, statues that will shed light on history are found.
- Doric Temple: A part of the temple located on the west side of the city was uncovered as a result of archaeological excavations carried out by Ethem Bey. As a result of these studies, the structure of the temple’s prayers and columns are revealed.
Gerga Ancient City
Gerga Ancient City (Gerga) Located in Deliktaş, a district of Cine, Gerga is approximately 13 km from the ancient city of Alabanda. Gerga, which is not as big as other cities, attracts attention with its ancient structures. At the entrance of the city, there is a rock on which the name of the ancient city is written. The rock, in which Gerga is written in Hellenistic letters, is highly appreciated by many people. Although it is not known exactly where the name of the city was inspired from, it is thought to be inspired by a god named Gerga. There are many sculpture remains in the area. Therefore, this city is of great importance for archaeologists. Some researchers also think that this area may have been built for a tomb or temple, not a city. That’s why this ancient place attracts a lot of attention.
- Temple: It is not yet known whether the building, which is thought to be a temple by most, is a temple or a tomb. There is the Gerga inscription on the pedimented structure, which is built on a terrace and built as a triangle of wooden-looking stones.
Kargi Aqueduct
Kargi Aqueduct (kargı Su Kemeri). The Kargi Aqueduct, which is located on the Cine stream and fascinates those who see it, was built in the Roman Period. Since it is located near Kargi village, this structure is called Kargi. Its main purpose is to carry water over bridges in a comfortable way. This arch, which once carried water to the ancient city of Alabanda, draws attention with its architecture. This structure, which is a frequent destination for visitors to the Alabanda Ancient City, draws attention because it has managed to survive to the present day without any damage or deterioration.
