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| Assos | ||
| province | Çanakkale | |
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| Residents | unknown | |
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| height | unknown | |
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| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
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Behramkale is a city in the Turkey which was known as Assos in ancient times.
background
The first settlers settled here in the Bronze Age, so that the city was founded in the early 1st millennium. This was inspired by displaced people from the island Lesvos. In the fourth century BC There was a rapid rise in the city when Aristotle founded a philosophical school here. But the upswing was short-lived because it soon ran Alexandria Troas Assos outstripped. In AD 58 the city was visited by Paul, after which the city's fame faded. Assos was at least a bishopric until the 5th century. Due to the increasingly unsafe location, the city was moved from the side of the mountain facing the sea to the side facing away from the sea. Over the centuries the city became a village away from world history. The first excavations took place under American leadership in the 19th century. The finds came in museums Boston, Paris and Istanbul under. Since 1981 excavations have been taking place under Turkish leadership. The finds are in the museum of Çanakkale to see.
getting there
By plane
The next airports are certainly in Çanakkale and Edremit to find. From here it continues on the road.
By train
By bus
Between Izmir and Çanakkale a bus runs regularly. You leave this in Ayvacik. From here there are dolmuş connections to Assos several times a day.
In the street
Anyone from the north (e.g. from Çanakkale) comes, drives on the D550 to Ayvacık and turns into the village and crosses the village in the direction of Söğütlü and Paşaköy. In the latter you turn in the direction of Behramkale.
Coming from the south (e.g. from Edremit) you also drive the D550 to Ayvacik and then turn towards Behramkale.
By boat
In summer there is a daily ship between Ayvalik and Behramkale
mobility
From the small square (with parking1 ) near the monument of Aristotle, a small road leads to the chargeable archaeological area around the Temple of Athena. This area can be easily reached on foot. To the right of the statue, a narrow road leads down the hill to the harbor. There is a limited number of parking spaces in the port. Anyone who can walk well can also walk this route. As a reward, the theater with a beautiful view awaits you halfway here.
Tourist Attractions
The sights are almost all grouped around and on a 234 meter high rock, which is visible from afar. If you reach the place across the street you come to a crossroads where a statue of Aristotle can be seen. If you drive straight ahead you will reach today's place Behramkale. A small central square offers free parking and a few small shops. From here a path leads upwards, which, lined with souvenir shops and cafes, reaches the mosque and the fenced-in, fee-paying temple area on the top of the mountain. Entry to the temple area costs 8 TL and is a must when the weather is good.
- 1 Ottoman mosque - On the way to the Temple of Athena, there is a small mosque on the left at the edge of the village. This is often overlooked by tourists. It was built by Murat I in the 14th century and is considered one of the first Ottoman mosques. This was built using Byzantine stones. And these can still be seen.
- 2 Athena temple - This temple was built in 530-520 BC. It is the only known archaic temple of the Doric order in Asia Minor. Some columns could be put up again, but essential parts of the temple are in museums Paris and Boston. But that only bothers at first glance, because the real highlight is the combination of the ruin with the view over the sea and the island Lesvos.
If you drive or walk to the right at the statue in the direction of the port (İskele), this path leads past the city wall and the theater. The theater gives access to other ruins. All with a beautiful view, of course. The path is narrow and steep and not recommended for inexperienced drivers. There are parking spaces halfway, just before the port (within sight) and a handful in the port area, but most of them belong to a restaurant or hotel.
- 3 Historic city wall - Of all the historical buildings, this is still the best preserved. Beautiful parts of this wall can be seen, for example, on the road to the port. It was once 3 km long and enclosed the entire ancient city.
- 4 theatre - The one from the 4th century. v. The theater, which originated in BC, was built on a slope in the typical Greek style in such a way that the audience could see a fantastic panorama in the background of the stage. The stage has been provided with all-round rain gutters. In the Roman period, the first row of seats was removed and replaced by balustrades so that gladiator games can take place here. Inscriptions on some of the seats indicate reservations for the guilds of blacksmiths, tanners and stonemasons, as well as followers of the cult of Sarapis. American archaeologists carried out excavations here as early as 1881. Investigations were last carried out under Turkish leadership in 1980.
- 5 Roman thermal baths - This lies between the agora and the theater and was only built during the Roman period. The cisterns under the agora were used here as a source of water.
- 6 Agora - This can be found above the theater and the bath and was the center of life in the city in ancient Assos. Trade flourished here, festivals were celebrated or people met to debate. The most important official, Agoranomos, who was elected for a year, had his seat here and oversaw order, security and trade. The complex, which covers more than 4,000 square meters, was bordered by a stoa in the north and south. The northern stoa was 115 meters long, 12.5 meters wide and had two floors with a total height of 11.5 meters. The upper floor was supported by 37 columns. Overall, the northern stoa was something of a weather-protected promenade with numerous traders, the forerunner of a shopping center, so to speak. The back wall of the stoa was completely carved into the rock and covered with stones. Even today the holes for the cross beams of the floor for the upper floor can be clearly seen. The southern stoa is a bit smaller with a length of 69 meters and a width of 12 meters. However, due to the hillside location, it was relatively easy to build a basement. The top floor overlooks the agora and was completely open to the sea and therefore more of a covered terrace with a view. The floor below had a lot of space. Since water installations have been found here and there were some cisterns underneath, it is generally assumed that it is a bath. A grave was found at the foot of the South Stoa. In an inscription discovered here, the citizens of Kallistenus and Aristias are mentioned, who received their graves here because of their services to the city. To the west of the agora was the little one Agora temple of which only the 17 meter by 15 meter foundation has been preserved. It was probably later converted into a church. That was in the east Buleuterion(Town hall). 150 MPs met here to guide the political direction of Assos. Not much is left of the building. Only two pillars of the inner area could be found during excavations.
- 7 Gymnasion - The Gymnasion is located between the necropolis and the agora. The educational establishment founded by Aristotle used to stand here. In the 2nd year v. The old building was replaced by a larger one, which, in addition to a variety of classrooms, could also offer training grounds, a swimming pool and its own water supply through a cistern. In the 1st year AD the complex was expanded again. When the city in the 5th and 6th centuries AD, the gymnasium was first given up and then converted into a church.
- 8 necropolis - On the way to the west gate you walk through the old necropolis of the city. The cemetery had been covered with sand for a long time and was in excellent condition when it was excavated in 1881. Unfortunately, it was then exposed to all environmental influences for 100 years, so that the full splendor is only revealed after closer inspection. Particularly noteworthy are the sarcophagi, for which Assos was long famous and which can be found as coveted export items throughout Asia Minor.
- 9 Port (İskele) - This is based on the ancient port and luckily you can't miss it thanks to clear signs. Many stone houses have been well restored and are positioned around the small fishing port. Due to the picturesque atmosphere, it is not surprising that almost every one has a restaurant and a hotel. Since the restaurants offer good cuisine at good prices despite this extraordinary location, this is a tip for lunch (see kitchen). There is also a small beach here for bathing enthusiasts, and from here a hiking trail leads across the ruins to the summit. Sweaty, but worth it.
- 10 Ottoman bridge - This arch bridge dates from the 14th century AD
activities
- Discover. Especially the city wall with its many well-preserved towers and the little-exposed ruins invite you to explore. Every undertaking is constantly accompanied by a breathtaking panorama.
- hike. The classic is undoubtedly to climb from the port to the Temple of Athena or the other way around. The latter variant has the advantage that you can eat well after the hike is over.
- Swimming. There is a small beach next to the harbor. However, this is well frequented in summer. Those who like it quieter will find the variety they want in the adjacent bays, e.g. Kardiga Beach.
- eat. Especially at the port you can have good food. Some tourists only use the place for a good lunch break when passing through.
shop
Behramkale is not exactly the big shopping paradise. One looks in vain for a supermarket. But if you are looking for souvenirs of all kinds you don't need to look for long, because the ascent to the Temple of Athena is lined with small souvenir stands.
kitchen
Most hotels and pensions only offer half board or full board. Therefore, most tourists do not need to go to a restaurant. If you are still looking for something, the port is the right place for you. There are several hotel restaurants next to each other. All of them offer good Turkish cuisine and of course fish at reasonable prices.
nightlife
accommodation
- Assos Park Hotel, Kadırga Koyu Behramkale (Assos) No: 8 Ayvacık-Çanakkale / Türkiye. Tel.: 90 (0)286 721 71 63, Email: [email protected].
- Assos Kervansaray Otel, Ayvacık - Behramkale Köyü Antik Liman (Assos) Çanakkale / TÜRKİYE. Tel.: 90(0286) 721 70 93, 90 (0286) 721 70 98, 90 (0286) 721 71 98, Fax: 90 (0286) 721 72 00, Email: [email protected]. _ Hotel at the harbor with pool and sauna.Price: double room from € 90.00.
- Assos Nazlihan Hotel, Assos-İskele Mevkii Behramkale Ayvacık / ÇANAKKALE. Tel.: 90 (0286) 721 73 85 - 86, Fax: 90 (0286) 721 73 87, Email: [email protected].
- Assos Behram Hotel, Behramkale Köyü İskele Mevkii Ayvacık / Çanakkale / TÜRKİYE. Tel.: 90 (0)286 721 70 16, Fax: 90 (0)286 721 70 44, Email: [email protected].
- Yildiz Saray Hotel. Fax: 90 (0) 286 721 7169, Email: [email protected]. - Available twice. Directly at the harbor with a restaurant and once on the Kardiga beach about ten minutes away.
- Timur Pansiyon, Assos - Ayvacık - Çanakkale. Tel.: 90 (0)286 721 7449, Email: [email protected]. - Located right in the center of the village near the entrance to the archaeological area. Only has four rooms (reserve in advance) and a terrace with a fantastic view.
health
Practical advice
Banks and ATMs are in short supply here. That is why you should bring enough Turkish Lira with you when you visit.
