TERMESSOS & KARAIN CAVE & KIRKGOZ HAN

Take a journey way back into the past on this inspiring Antalya tour of the ancient fortified city of Termessos and Karain Caves.

Firstly you will visit the remarkable ancient city of Termessos perched up in the mountains in Güllük Daği National Park. Tour the city walls, towers, King's Road, Agora and richly decorated tombs.

You will also get the opportunity to see the 600 meter high Mecine Canyon in the national park which offers shelter to endangered species such as mountain goats and golden eagles.

Termessos is one of the best preserved of the ancient cities of Turkey. It lies 30 kilometres to the north-west of Antalya. It was founded on a natural platform on top of Güllük Daği, soaring to a height of 1.665 metres from among the surrounding travertine mountains of Antalya, which average only 200 metres above sea level. Concealed by a multitude of wild plants and bounded by dense pine forests, the side, with its peaceful and untouched appearance, has a more distinct and impressive atmosphere than other ancient cities. Because of its natural and historical riches, the city has been included in a National Park bearing its name.

After Termessos, explore the ancient Karain Caves, situated in the Western Taurus Mountains. See the many chambers in the cave network separated many curved narrow passageways. The inspiring interior is enhanced further by a series of stalactites and stalagmites.

Karain Cave: This is 27 km from Antalya and is reached from the Burdur highway, turning left at the Karain sign. Digs have been continuing there since 1946. These have revealed a settlement at that spot 50.000 years ago. It is the largest cave in Turkey to have been inhabited. Some of the finds are on display in the little Karain Museum and others in the Pre-History Section of Antalya Museum. 

To end the day, we will stop in front of the Kırkgöz Han

Dating is according to the inscription of 6 lines carved on a single block of stone set above the southern entrance door. This inscription is the longest building inscription of any surviving Seljuk han. 

Although the date included on the last section inscription is fragmentary (it cuts off the date; listing only the beginning of the date (read by scholars as either 1 or 3 or 13) without giving the month and year), it provides both the name of the sultan Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev (r: 1237-46). This han was most probably built at the same time as the Eğirdir, Incir and Susuz Hans, for this caravan route was of capital importance for Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev II. 

They were probably built before 1243 (Battle of Kösedağ), in part to facilitate the transport of goods such as alum from the mines around Afyon to the port of Antalya, where it was then exported to Europe. Alum, an essential mordant for dyeing wool (it fixed the dye to the wool so the colors would not run) and in tanning, was a particularly important export for the Seljuks. The cloth of the robes of the medieval Kings and Popes of Europe were woven with thread treated with Turkish potassium alum. 

The alum mines of Egypt were almost exhausted by the start of the 13th century and thus the alum mines in Seljuk Anatolia became important sources for alum. The tax revenue on alum and the monopoly of its export belonged to the Seljuk Sultanate. History records show that for one year this alum monopoly was sold to both a Genovese merchant and a Venetian merchant, who bitter trade rivals. They then jointly ran the alum monopoly in the Seljuk territory. In the 13th and 14th centuries, caravans of camels loaded with alum moved down the road between these hans, from han to han until they reached the port of Antalya where the alum was loaded onto ships. 

Highlights:

·         See the unique fortified city of Termessos, high up in the mountains

·         Venture into the ancient chambers of Karain Caves

·         Hike through the picturesque Termessos National Park

Important information 

This tour require some physical effort and walking. 

Please take a bottle of water and wear comfortable sport shoes for hiking in Termessos

Not suitable for people in wheelchairs.

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Bring appropriate footwear. (Comfortable shoes)

Drinks not included

Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change.