Main Attractions in Afyon

Afyon, at first sight, simply takes your breath away with edifices that ooze sheer power and majesty. Prominent among these is the Citadel of Afyon, built during the Byzantine period and located right in the middle of the city. Built atop a volcanic rock, this was originally the site for a fortress used by the Hittite King Mursilius II. This black basalt rock formation gave the name Kara Hissar, or "the black fortress" to the city.

The nooks and crannies, streets and alleys of Afyon are steeped in history and this is evident from the numerous ancient structures that dot the city. The older quarters of Afyon, near the citadel, house some of the greatest examples of Ottoman architecture in the whole of Turkey. Thus you have the half-timbered houses with their upper stories hanging virtually above nothingness.

There are many graceful and elegant early Ottoman and Seljuk mosques like Great Mosque (Ulu Camii) built in 1273, Mevlevihane (1300s) and Imaret (1472). Even the Ottoman houses in the back alleys of Afyon are architectural gems in their own right.

The Altigöz Bridge, built by the Seljuks in the 13th century is another architectural marvel in the city of Afyon.

North of Afyon is the Phrygian Valley, which abounds in the historical remains of Aslantas, Yilantas, and Maltas. The Aslantas (Lion Rock) and Aslankaya (Lion Stone) are more famous among these while the myriad tombs, rock-carved monuments, and sculptures are resplendent in the sheer splendor and greatness of the Phrygian Civilization.

The 8th century Phrygian inscriptions on the portico of a building carved out of a hill in the Midas city of Yazilikaya elicit wonder from the visitors.

Turkey's version of the "Lake District" lies to the south of Afyon. Eflatunpinar, a Hittite monument comprising of massive rock slabs in the midst of natural water bodies, impart an almost pagan but surreal look to the entire setting.

The numerous lakes of the "Lake District", lying amidst the partially barren lands of Central Anatolia, attract flocks of migratory birds every year, endearing this region to the avid bird lovers and watchers.

Afyon has been home to the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. It is no wonder that its architecture should be a melting pot of these various cultures.

There are ancient marble quarries at Docimium. Around this quarry a village had been founded by Antigonus Dokimos, a Macedonian Greek. The village of Ayazin is an exact look alike of a Cappadochia village, but on a smaller scale. Solitude seekers will enjoy visits to such small and languid Turkish villages, where time seems to have stood still for centuries.

More is in store for the history buffs in the form of the museums of Afyon.

The Afyon Archaeological Museum houses a grand collection dating back to the Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Turkish-Islamic and Byzantine periods and exhibits include Byzantine statues, Roman religious objects like offering stones and cult sarcophagi, pre-historical "Kusura ceramics" and various other objects like coins, medallions, earthenware and glassware.

The noted residents of this museum are "Victory Arch" bas-reliefs from the Antioch Roman period, a price list from an agora (Roman market place) and the Synnada sarcophagus.

The Afyon Ethnographic Museum housed in the original museum building, has exhibits like arms, apparel, tapestries, a lectern, gilded books, and other ethnographic and household objects, collected from in and around Afyon.

Turkey's most coveted piece of military history lies in Ataturk's Headquarters and Victory Room in Afyon.

The Afyon Municipality building served as the garrison to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's army during the Turkish War of Independence. After the resounding Turkish victory, a ground floor room in this building was named the "Victory Room". This room houses the table and chairs used by Ataturk, furnishings, war maps, pictures and military documents.

For an authentic taste of Turkey, there's no better place than Afyon. Afyon is famous for Turkish Delight, or lokum, which is a heady mixture of dates, raisin and honey bound by Arabian gum and once savored by the royals. "Kaymak" is rich clotted cream that forms the luscious topping on many desserts like baklava.

And to carry a piece of Turkey back with you, pay a visit to the town of Dazkiri on the Denizli highway, which is home to intricately woven Turkish carpets and kilims.