2 Days in Afyonkarahisar: Phrygia and Victory Road

Afyonkarahisar offers a two-day exploration route filled with both the Phrygian Valley that has hosted civilizations for thousands of years and the Victory Road that determined the fate of the War of Independence. This journey is ideal for those who want to wander through different layers of history, from ancient rock settlements to the traces of the National Struggle.

Uclerkayasi

Uclerkayasi village, belonging to the Ihsaniye district of Afyonkarahisar, hosts approximately 3,000 years of history in the heart of the Phrygian Valley. With rock settlements from the Roman and Byzantine periods, monumental tomb chambers and fairy chimneys, this place is one of Turkey's hidden impressive historical corners. Located in the status of a Class 1 Archaeological Site area, this region also offers camping and hiking opportunities.

Phrygian Valley - Doger Archaeological Site

Located right next to Uclerkayasi, the Doger Archaeological Site is one of Anatolia's most mysterious open-air museums with rock settlements carved by the Phrygians into the rocks, tomb chambers and churches. Its natural beauty with Lake Emre and fairy chimneys is equally impressive. Here you can see Phrygian rock monuments carved into the rocks and early Christian period churches.

Phrygian Valley Fairy Chimneys

The Phrygian Valley Fairy Chimneys surrounding Doger captivate visitors with volcanic tuff formations that rival Cappadocia. Rising in different shapes and sizes over an area of approximately 1-2 square kilometers, these natural sculptures present a landscape intertwined with the traces of 3,000-year-old Phrygian civilization. Walking routes and hot air balloon tours are also available.

Memec Rock Formations

Located near Doger Town, on the Lake Emre road, the Memec Rock Formations are impressive stops on the Phrygian Valley with rock-carved settlements and chapels from the Byzantine period. These tuff rock structures dating from the 8th-10th centuries A.D. attract both archaeology enthusiasts and photography lovers with their historical texture and dramatic silhouettes. In fact, it was one of the filming locations for the AROG film.

Aslankaya Temple

Rising on the shores of Lake Emre, Aslankaya Temple is one of the most impressive rock monuments of the Phrygian period. Carved into the south face of a steep rock with its triangular pediment and Doric columns, it draws visitors into the depths of history. This temple facade carved into the rock is also a point for sunset and stargazing.

Our second day route proceeds toward places bearing the traces of the War of Independence.

Grand Offensive Headquarters (Ataturk House) – Suhut, Afyonkarahisar

Located in the Suhut district of Afyonkarahisar, Hacivelioğlu Mansion is a historic structure where Mustafa Kemal Pasha conducted preparations for the August 30 Victory. Built in 1896-1897, this mansion today serves as a free house museum. You can see the rooms used by Mustafa Kemal Pasha and period belongings here.

Colonel Resat Cigilttepe Martyrs' Cemetery

Moving southwest from Suhut, we reach Cigilttepe. At 1,591 meters altitude, this martyrs' cemetery is the historical site where one of the fiercest battles of the Grand Offensive took place. Named after Colonel Resat Bey, the martyrs' cemetery is one of the stopping points where you most deeply feel the spirit of the National Struggle.

Grand Offensive Martyrs' Cemetery and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Monument

Located 16 km from Afyonkarahisar, rising on Isiktepe, this martyrs' cemetery is dedicated to the memory of Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the Grand Offensive that began on August 26, 1922. Behind the cemetery stands the Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Monument, reaching a height of 18 meters with its base, one of the most impressive symbols of the region. The martyrs' cemetery walls built from white ayazine stone and the marble blocks with the inscription of the Grand Offensive on the base draw attention.

Yildirim Kemal Martyrs' Cemetery

Located in Yildirimkemal Village belonging to Sinanpasa district, right next to the train station, this martyrs' cemetery is the final resting place of soldiers who died on August 27, 1922, one of the most critical days of the War of Independence. Located within the scope of the Commander-in-Chief Historical National Park, it offers a simple, touching atmosphere.

Anitkaya Martyrs' Cemetery

Located in Anitkaya Town on the Afyonkarahisar-Kutahya highway, rising on a mound, this martyrs' cemetery is the eternal resting place of members of the 13th and 20th Regiments who fell on August 28, 1922, the most critical day of the Grand Offensive. Its pyramidal monument built in 1924 and ancient plane trees invite a deep gesture of respect.

These two days you spend in Afyonkarahisar will allow you to deeply feel both the mystical atmosphere of ancient times and the heroic spirit of the National Struggle. For dining, you can choose famous sausage restaurants in Afyonkarahisar city center or restaurants offering local delicacies. A private vehicle is ideal for transportation, as distances between locations may be too long for public transportation.

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