History of Denizli

Being a fertile region Denizli has been a center of various civilizations succeeding one another. Its beginnings are traced to the chalcolithic age. Among the older civilizations are counted the Luvians, Phrygians, Persians, Greeks and Romans while the later ones include the Byzantines, Seljuks and the Ottomans.

The old city is 6 km north of the modern city and was built by Antiokos and named Laodikea after his wife. This city is mentioned in the Book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. The nearby city of Triopolis was known as the center of bishops. Hierapolis, also called Pamukkale, is another historical city which is marked by its stalactites, cataracts and basins and offers a stunning spectacle.

Among the historical ruins the most prominent are the Roman and the Byzantine ruins, which are better preserved than others. Later the Muslims - Seljuks and Ottomans - introduced the beauty of Islamic architecture to Denizli.