Aperlai Ancient City

Antalya's Eyebrow The ancient city of Aperlai, located between and Kekova, is situated at the beginning of a long and narrow bay on the Sıçak Peninsula. In addition to being a port preserved with its natural structure, the city has great historical and cultural value as one of the important port cities of the Lycian civilization.

Origin and History of the City's Name

The origin of the name Aperlai is "Aprillai" in the Luwian language, meaning "Stream Strait". Aperlai, a small Lycian port city in ancient times, has its existence proven by silver coins with the abbreviations APR and PRL seen in works from the 5th and 4th centuries BC. The name of the city also appears in the works of late period writers such as Pliny, Stadiasmus, Ptolemy and Hierocles.

The city was completely abandoned in the 16th century, when Piri Reis Kitab-i Bahriye In his work, it was mentioned as a sheltered harbour where only a few fishing families lived.

Position in the Lycian League and Coinage

Aperlai had an important position during the Lycian Union period and was a city together with the cities of Simena, Apollonia and Isinda. sympoliteia (politik ve ekonomik birlik) kurmuştur. Bu dönemde üç kentin vatandaşları, Aperlai’yi merkez alarak etnik isimlerini kullanmadan “Simena’dan Aperlailılar” olarak anılmıştır. Rome egemenliği sırasında ise kent, yalnızca İmparator III. Gordianus döneminde sikke basma yetkisine sahip olmuştur.

Architectural and Archaeological Remains

The ruins of the ancient city of Aperlai are located at the foot of a hill descending towards the sea and in the northern part of the bay. The architectural and archaeological works that stand out in the city are:

Walls and Defensive Structures

Aperlai is surrounded by walls reinforced with towers, using rectogonal and polygonal techniques. There are three square-plan defensive towers on the northern walls of the city. Three gates, one arched and two flat, stand out on the western walls. The southern walls continue perpendicular to the hillside and are polygonal in structure. There is a gate in the middle with towers on both sides.

Baths and Churches

The ruins of two baths from the Roman period have been identified in the city. There are also ruins of two churches from the Byzantine period, one in the northwest corner of the acropolis and the other in the southeast corner. These churches, which reflect the characteristics of early Byzantine architecture, date back to the 6th and 7th centuries AD. These structures, built on a basilical plan, consist of a wide central corridor, two narrow side corridors and an apse section.

Necropolis and Lycian Sarcophagi

The city's necropolis is located east of the castle walls and contains numerous Lycian-style sarcophagi. The remains of the quay and its buildings are now submerged.

The ancient city of Aperlai stands out as an important port city of the Lycian civilization with its rich history and architectural remains. This city, which can be visited with ease of transportation from the sea, offers valuable information about the social, economic and religious life of the ancient period. Aperlai, which attracts attention with both its historical and natural beauties today, is an unforgettable part of the Lycian geography.

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Aperlai Ancient City

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Aperlai Ancient City

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Aperlai Ancient City

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Aperlai Ancient City