Seydikemer, one of Muğla's youngest districts in administrative terms, is situated on lands with a deep-rooted history stretching back thousands of years—a fact that belies the modern origins of its name. This region, located at the foothills of the Western Taurus Mountains between the districts of Fethiye and Kaş, encompasses an area that was considered the heartland of Lycia, one of the most important civilizations of antiquity. Therefore, the history of Seydikemer is not merely a story of the unification of modern settlements but includes a rich cultural heritage that extends for millennia.
Antiquity: The Center of the Lycian Civilization
The present-day borders of Seydikemer were home to some of the most strategic and sacred cities of ancient Lycia. The region was a hub where settlements that played key political and religious roles in the Lycian League were concentrated. The most prominent ancient cities bearing the marks of this era are:
Tlos: The Metropolis of the Lycian Federation
Founded on a steep acropolis overlooking the Eşen Plain, Tlos was one of the six major cities of the Lycian League, holding the title of "metropolis." Archaeological findings indicate that the city's history dates back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Maintaining its importance throughout history due to its strategic location, the city boasts a magnificent array of structures, including its acropolis, stadium, theatre, bath complex, and monumental rock-cut tombs. Among these, the tomb featuring the mythological hero Bellerophon on his winged horse Pegasus slaying the Chimera is one of the city's most iconic monuments.
Letoon: The Sacred Sanctuary of Lycia
Letoon, the federal sanctuary of the Lycian League, served as a common religious center for all Lycian cities. The site derives its name from the goddess Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis in mythology. The ruins of three temples, dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis, are found here. The largest theatre in the region is also located at Letoon. The site is distinguished by its abundance of water sources and its sacred character. In 1988, Letoon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with its neighbor, Xanthos, making it the most universally recognized cultural heritage site within the geography of Seydikemer.
Pinara: The City of Unique Architecture and Politics
Built on the slope of a steep mountain, Pinara's name is derived from a local word meaning "round." Its political significance is demonstrated by its status as one of the six major cities with three votes in the Lycian League. What primarily distinguishes Pinara from other Lycian cities is the hundreds of rock-cut tombs carved into the sheer cliff face. These tombs, resembling dovecotes, bestow a unique silhouette upon the city. The ruins of an odeon, agora, and theatre on the lower acropolis provide significant insights into the city's social and cultural life.
Other Important Centers: Sidyma, Oinoanda, and Araxa
In addition to these three major cities, the lands of Seydikemer also contain other significant ancient settlements such as Sidyma, Oinoanda, and Araxa. Sidyma is particularly known for its well-preserved monumental tombs and inscriptions from the Roman Imperial Period, with its ruins intertwined with the modern village of Dodurga. Oinoanda was known as a city of philosophy founded at a high altitude, while Araxa was a strategic settlement on the northern border of the region.
The Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Periods
With the annexation of Lycia into the Roman Empire in the 1st century A.D., the cities in the region continued to exist and maintain their importance. During this period, many new structures such as roads, bridges, aqueducts, and baths were built. The historic stone bridge that gives its name to the Kemer neighborhood is one of the most tangible remnants of this era to survive to the present day. During the Byzantine period, the region served as an episcopal center, and churches were built in the cities. With the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia, the region fell under the rule of various beyliks and ultimately the Ottoman Empire. The ancient cities were gradually abandoned and replaced by smaller rural settlements.
The Modern Era: The Founding of Seydikemer
During the Republican era, the region consisted of a series of villages and towns affiliated with the Fethiye district and began to develop towards the end of the 20th century. The district's current name is a portmanteau of two of the region's prominent settlements: Seydiler and Kemer. Kemer was granted the status of a municipality on December 26, 1990.
On November 12, 2012, with Law No. 6360 passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Seydikemer was established as Muğla's 13th district. It was formed by uniting numerous surrounding villages with the town of Kemer as its center, and was officially separated from Fethiye.
A Geography Where History and Nature Converge
Behind its identity as a young district, Seydikemer is an extraordinary geography that preserves the legacy of one of Anatolia's most unique civilizations. This rich historical heritage, extending from the grandeur of Tlos to the sanctity of Letoon, and from the mystery of Pinara to the engineering genius of Rome, combines with the district's natural beauty to give it a unique and profound character.
Antiquity: The Center of the Lycian Civilization
The present-day borders of Seydikemer were home to some of the most strategic and sacred cities of ancient Lycia. The region was a hub where settlements that played key political and religious roles in the Lycian League were concentrated. The most prominent ancient cities bearing the marks of this era are:
Tlos: The Metropolis of the Lycian Federation
Founded on a steep acropolis overlooking the Eşen Plain, Tlos was one of the six major cities of the Lycian League, holding the title of "metropolis." Archaeological findings indicate that the city's history dates back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Maintaining its importance throughout history due to its strategic location, the city boasts a magnificent array of structures, including its acropolis, stadium, theatre, bath complex, and monumental rock-cut tombs. Among these, the tomb featuring the mythological hero Bellerophon on his winged horse Pegasus slaying the Chimera is one of the city's most iconic monuments.
Letoon: The Sacred Sanctuary of Lycia
Letoon, the federal sanctuary of the Lycian League, served as a common religious center for all Lycian cities. The site derives its name from the goddess Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis in mythology. The ruins of three temples, dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis, are found here. The largest theatre in the region is also located at Letoon. The site is distinguished by its abundance of water sources and its sacred character. In 1988, Letoon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with its neighbor, Xanthos, making it the most universally recognized cultural heritage site within the geography of Seydikemer.
Pinara: The City of Unique Architecture and Politics
Built on the slope of a steep mountain, Pinara's name is derived from a local word meaning "round." Its political significance is demonstrated by its status as one of the six major cities with three votes in the Lycian League. What primarily distinguishes Pinara from other Lycian cities is the hundreds of rock-cut tombs carved into the sheer cliff face. These tombs, resembling dovecotes, bestow a unique silhouette upon the city. The ruins of an odeon, agora, and theatre on the lower acropolis provide significant insights into the city's social and cultural life.
Other Important Centers: Sidyma, Oinoanda, and Araxa
In addition to these three major cities, the lands of Seydikemer also contain other significant ancient settlements such as Sidyma, Oinoanda, and Araxa. Sidyma is particularly known for its well-preserved monumental tombs and inscriptions from the Roman Imperial Period, with its ruins intertwined with the modern village of Dodurga. Oinoanda was known as a city of philosophy founded at a high altitude, while Araxa was a strategic settlement on the northern border of the region.
The Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Periods
With the annexation of Lycia into the Roman Empire in the 1st century A.D., the cities in the region continued to exist and maintain their importance. During this period, many new structures such as roads, bridges, aqueducts, and baths were built. The historic stone bridge that gives its name to the Kemer neighborhood is one of the most tangible remnants of this era to survive to the present day. During the Byzantine period, the region served as an episcopal center, and churches were built in the cities. With the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia, the region fell under the rule of various beyliks and ultimately the Ottoman Empire. The ancient cities were gradually abandoned and replaced by smaller rural settlements.
The Modern Era: The Founding of Seydikemer
During the Republican era, the region consisted of a series of villages and towns affiliated with the Fethiye district and began to develop towards the end of the 20th century. The district's current name is a portmanteau of two of the region's prominent settlements: Seydiler and Kemer. Kemer was granted the status of a municipality on December 26, 1990.
On November 12, 2012, with Law No. 6360 passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Seydikemer was established as Muğla's 13th district. It was formed by uniting numerous surrounding villages with the town of Kemer as its center, and was officially separated from Fethiye.
A Geography Where History and Nature Converge
Behind its identity as a young district, Seydikemer is an extraordinary geography that preserves the legacy of one of Anatolia's most unique civilizations. This rich historical heritage, extending from the grandeur of Tlos to the sanctity of Letoon, and from the mystery of Pinara to the engineering genius of Rome, combines with the district's natural beauty to give it a unique and profound character.