Syedra was discovered as recently as 1994, but excavations only slowly
exposed parts of this ancient port city, a good 20 kilometers south
of modern Alanya on the coastal road
to Anamur and Tarsus Cilicia
or Pamphylia.
I read the name Syedra
while visiting the Archaeological Museum of Alanya, before knowing where to look for it. I was struck by
its mosaics, clearly Roman and belonging to the 3rd century AD.
Archaeological excavations have revealed standard elements of the town, but none show signs of in-depth study. The structures are listed as a street lined with columns, shops, several staircases, remains of a town hall (Odeon?), a temple, a theater, and several cisterns that provided water to the city.
On the upper terrace that holds the Acropolis stands a building tentatively identified as a Heroon. Its walls with traces of frescoes welcome the visitor at the end of the colonnaded street. It is not known to whom this shrine was dedicated.
Important sections of the city walls display the remains of entrance
gates, for instance, on the southwest and western side; the latest being the strongest, which is
recognized as the main access to the city.
Another interesting
feature is the Roman Bathhouse, where a large floor mosaic depicts the Twelve
Labors of Heracles with life-size human figures. It was excavated in late
2020 and dated to the 2nd century AD. The rectangular mosaic with an apse-like recess at one end measures 21.95 x 7.92 meters , which would
typically fit the layout of a Caldarium.
The reports also mention a statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, that I have not seen at theMuseum of Alanya at the time of my visit
By the end of2025, a huge Stadium from the
2nd or 3rd century AD was discovered, when Syedra reached its height.
It is about 190 meters
long and 16 meters
wide and can accommodate 2,000-3,000 people. Since it was cut into the solid
rock, it remained hidden till now.
Researchers also mention some 40 inscriptions on Syedra’s walls providing information about sports and entertainment.
At the Museum of Alanya , I had
noticed a large inscription in which Septimius Severus praised the city for its bravery and loyalty in resisting the
pirates that constantly raided the eastern Mediterranean (see: Exploring Olympos, next to Chimera) .
In the text from 194 AD, the Roman Emperor underscores Syedra’s “goodwill
towards the Romans”.
The city also has two Necropolises, one to the northwest and the other to the south, which one day may reveal more important information about its citizens and their burial practices.
Archaeological excavations have revealed standard elements of the town, but none show signs of in-depth study. The structures are listed as a street lined with columns, shops, several staircases, remains of a town hall (Odeon?), a temple, a theater, and several cisterns that provided water to the city.
On the upper terrace that holds the Acropolis stands a building tentatively identified as a Heroon. Its walls with traces of frescoes welcome the visitor at the end of the colonnaded street. It is not known to whom this shrine was dedicated.
[Picture from Daily Sabah]
The reports also mention a statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, that I have not seen at the
By the end of
Researchers also mention some 40 inscriptions on Syedra’s walls providing information about sports and entertainment.
The city also has two Necropolises, one to the northwest and the other to the south, which one day may reveal more important information about its citizens and their burial practices.
Sadly, excavations have not been structured so far, and even the intrepid visitor will have a hard time imagining the layout and monuments that graced this commercial hub and bustling harbor during the twenty centuries of its existence. Syedra was founded in the 7th century BC and remained inhabited until the 13th century AD.
