Akbük’s Forgotten Past: Who Were the People of Teichiussa?

Discover Teichiussa, the ancient port city near Akbük. Learn about its multi-ethnic past, Carian-Ionian synthesis, and the hidden ruins waiting to be explored by expats and visitors.

As someone who has called this beautiful corner of Turkey home for two decades, I’ve always been fascinated by the layers of history beneath our feet. Akbük, with its serene bays and stunning landscapes, has a story far older than many realise. It’s not just a holiday destination or an expat haven; it’s a place steeped in ancient tales, a true ‘ethnic melting pot’ that shaped the very character of this region. Today, we delve into the fascinating history of Teichiussa, the ancient port city that predates much of what we know about Akbük.

In the years after the ashes settled and the land began to breathe anew, the foundations of Teichiussa were laid on the shores of what we now call Akbük. This wasn’t a city built by a single, pure race, but rather a vibrant synthesis of cultures. The core population comprised the Carians, who brought with them the mystical mountain culture of Latmos. Guarding the strategic coastline and managing the maritime activities were the Lelegians, renowned for their robust stone masonry. Over time, as the influence of Miletus grew, Ionian traders also settled in the area. This blend transformed Teichiussa into a unique ‘Carian-Ionian synthesis’ port, harmonising the local wisdom of Caria with the commercial dynamism of Ionia.

Echoes in Stone and Water: The Remains of Teichiussa

Today, to find the traces of Teichiussa, one must look to the steep slopes of Kazıklı Village and the depths of its bay. The ancient inhabitants strategically established their settlement where the sea met the mountains. Over millennia, the relentless march of time and geological shifts have taken their toll. A portion of the city now lies along the modern coastline of Kazıklı Bay, while another part is hidden beneath its shallow waters. High on the hills, the remnants of ancient walls still whisper tales of the Lelegians’ renowned stone-building discipline. Meanwhile, the waters around the harbour continue to guard the silent quays that once welcomed the trade ships of antiquity.

More Than a Port: Teichiussa’s Enduring Legacy

Teichiussa was more than just a commercial hub; it was a port of hope, born from the ashes of disaster, carrying the memory of history within its very stones. Its identity as a port city transformed Akbük’s natural role as a refuge into a vital ‘gateway’ for communication with the wider world. Here, people mended the wounds of catastrophe, honouring the ‘sanctuary’ that nature had provided them. 

Even today, in the tranquil waters of Kazıklı, Teichiussa stands as a silent monument, representing the multicultural fabric of the past and the enduring resilience of the Akbük coastline. For us expats, understanding these deep roots adds another layer of appreciation to the rich tapestry of life we enjoy here.

Yazar: Jonathan