Nestled at the foot of the mystical Latmos Mountains, just a short drive from Akbük, the ancient city of Herakleia is slowly revealing its deepest secrets. Under the ‘Heritage to the Future Project’ (Geleceğe Miras), recent archaeological excavations in the village of Kapıkırı have unearthed a fascinating Byzantine church and a tragic necropolis, shedding light on a poignant chapter of human history.
Hello friends, Jonathan here! Having lived in the Didim and Akbük area for over 20 years, I have walked the paths of our local ruins countless times. Yet, the dramatic geological landscape of Kapıkırı—where giant, weather-beaten boulders look like they belong on another planet—never fails to take my breath away. Lately, there has been a real buzz in the archaeological community about some incredibly moving discoveries made right on our doorstep at Herakleia.
Unveiling the Secrets of Latmos and the Doric Structure
The excavations are led by Prof. Dr. Zeliha Gider Büyüközer from Selçuk University’s Department of Archaeology. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s landmark ‘Heritage to the Future Project’, the team recently completed work on the local Roman baths and have now turned their attention to the mysterious Doric structure located directly opposite the Temple of Endymion. Named for the elegant marble architectural blocks on its facade, this site has surprised everyone by revealing a hidden Byzantine church and an extensive necropolis underneath.
A Heartbreaking Echo: Child Graves and Ancient Epidemics
According to Prof. Dr. Büyüközer, long after the Byzantine church fell out of use, the local community transformed the sacred site into a necropolis. So far, 21 graves have been carefully excavated. What makes this discovery incredibly poignant is the high concentration of children’s graves in the upper layers, particularly infants aged between 0 and 1 year. This tragic clustering suggests that Herakleia was once struck by a devastating epidemic that targeted the most vulnerable. Despite the tragedy, the simple jewelry and small grave goods left beside the children offer a touching, timeless glimpse into the deep love of ancient families.
Double Burials and Timeless Rituals
Another fascinating detail uncovered by the archaeological excavation is the practice of double burials during the Byzantine era. Archaeologists discovered graves where two skulls lay side by side. It appears that when a second family member passed away, the bones of the previously deceased relative were gently moved to the foot of the grave to make room. This intimate look at ancient burial rituals reminds us of the shared human experience of grief and remembrance, set against the peaceful backdrop of Bafa Lake.
How to Get to Herakleia and the Best Time to Visit
Reaching Kapıkırı from Akbük is a breeze. It is a highly scenic 45-minute drive following the signs for Bafa Lake. The journey itself is an absolute delight, winding through ancient olive trees and offering stunning glimpses of the tranquil lake. To get the most out of your visit, I highly recommend planning your trip during the cooler spring or autumn months. Watching the sunset turn the lake crimson while casting long shadows over the ancient city walls is a local secret you will never forget.
Jonathan’s Local Tips for Expats and Visitors
- Wear sturdy, non-slip trekking shoes. The giant granite boulders of Latmos can be slippery and uneven.
- Support the local community by dining at the lakeside cafes in Kapıkırı. The fresh lake fish is excellent, and local village women sell beautiful, handmade beaded jewelry.
- For photography enthusiasts, capturing the sunset behind the Temple of Endymion is an absolute must.
- To avoid the midday heat and tourist buses, aim to visit early in the morning or during the late afternoon.
Coordinates: 37.5011 , 27.5256