We Have Encountered Unregistered Archaeological Ruins in the New Section of the Lycian Way!

During the fieldwork we carried out on the new section of the Lycian Way between Sarısu and Gedelme stage, we spotted quite interesting monument and building remains.

On this route, there are two Lycian sarcophagi, one of which is relatively in a better condition, an old wall and a building, which we think is a chapel. We took the GPS points and photos of these places and then continued our work to look for more paths. Having returned to our Culture Routes Society office in the center of Antalya, we rushed to prepare a letter to the Provincial Directorate of Cultural Heritage Conservation Board and described the remains with all the photos and GPS points attached to the letter, which basically requested an official visit to this area by the board’s archaeologists. Following their visit, they will hopefully let us know the information to which degree it will be a protected area if the registration decision is made as a result of the research. Of course, we will share that with you.

Beydağları Coastal National Park covered with pine trees

Tombs on the route.

The building we think is a chapel.

Since 2012, we have been doing these application procedures, which can be easily done by every person and institution, for the ruins we have encountered both on the Lycian Way and on our other routes. The number of site areas registered thanks to these letters so far is quite high. However, unfortunately, there is no tourism or cultural legislation that would completely protect the Lycian Way and other routes. As we all know, the ruins with historical value, mine / marble quarry, road construction, hydroelectric power santrals etc. at risk of getting lost due to constructional work. We hope that with this route followed in order to protect the route, we hope that one day a protection legislation will be created that will cover all routes and the cultural heritage on them.

Berhat Onat Alan

Culture Routes Society