Afyonkarahisar: 5-Day Route from Phrygia Valley to Akdag

Afyonkarahisar, in the heart of Anatolia, offers a rich mosaic of history and nature spanning from the Phrygians to the Seljuks. This 5-day route transforms the city's most iconic points and hidden treasures into an enjoyable discovery, taking walking distances into account. If you're ready, let's delve into the depths of these ancient lands.

Phrygia - Goynus Valley

We dedicate our first day to Goynus Valley, one of the most impressive points of Phrygia Valley. This is the largest necropolis of Mountainous Phrygia. The rock tombs dating to the 7th century BCE, with their lion figures and geometric reliefs, showcase the craftsmanship of the period. The valley is not just a cemetery, but also a natural wonder with volcanic rock formations.

Aslantaş Rock Tomb Monument

As you explore Goynus Valley, you'll see Aslantaş, dating to the 8th-6th centuries BCE. Named after the majestic lion figures rising on both sides of the doorway, this monument stands among the most unique remains of Phrygia Valley. The Phrygians were known for their tradition of carving the dead and sacred areas into rocks to make them permanent.

Yilantaş

Just west of Aslantaş, Yilantaş is located on the continuation of the same rocky mass. This Phrygian rock tomb, with its fragmented triangular ceiling beams and external reliefs, carries strong traces of stone craftsmanship in Phrygian civilization. Although weathered over time, it still maintains an impressive appearance.

Avdalaz Castle

Avdalaz Castle, rising northwest of Ayazini village, is one of the most impressive stops in Phrygia Valley with its rock-carved tunnels and multi-story spaces used since the Phrygian period. The transformation of a massive tuff rock through carving into a multi-story settlement area attracts visitors' attention.

Ayazini Archaeological Site (Metropolis)

Ayazini Archaeological Site, located in the heart of Phrygia Valley, is a rock settlement bearing traces of a deep history spanning from the Phrygians to the Byzantines. With its rock-carved houses, churches, and tombs, it is among Turkey's most unique archaeological sites. Visitors particularly love the structures created by hollowing out the rock with stairs leading to each level.

Ağın Rocky Areas

The Ağın Rocky Areas, which you can reach with a short walk from Ayazini, is a volcanic nature area composed of tuff and andesite rocks. This area, shaped by the carving of volcanic rocks, is an interesting exploration point from both geological and archaeological perspectives. It offers a unique experience with its quiet and undiscovered atmosphere.

On the second day, we will discover another face of Phrygia Valley. Our route, starting with Döğer Archaeological Site and fairy chimneys, will continue with spiritual stops.

Phrygia Valley - Döğer Archaeological Site

This archaeological site, stretching around the town of Döğer, is one of Anatolia's most mysterious open-air museums, featuring rock settlements, tomb chambers, monuments, and churches carved by the Phrygians into the rocks. The natural beauties with Emre Lake and fairy chimneys are equally impressive.

Phrygia Valley Fairy Chimneys

Located around Seydiler village, the Phrygia Valley Fairy Chimneys captivate visitors with volcanic tuff formations that rival Cappadocia. These natural sculptures, rising in different shapes and sizes over an area of approximately 1-2 square kilometers, present a landscape interwoven with traces of 3,000-year-old Phrygian civilization.

Karacaahmet Sultan Mausoleum

After Phrygia Valley, we take a spiritual break at Karacaahmet Sultan Mausoleum. This mausoleum dedicated to Geylani-i Sani, descended from Gavs-ı Azam Abdülkadir Geylani, is said to have migrated from Khorasan to Anatolia during the Mongol invasion. It holds deep significance in Alevi culture. Visitors find peace and tranquility here.

Hayran Veli Sultan Mausoleum

Located in the town of Kayihan, Hayran Veli Sultan Mausoleum is dedicated to a Khorasan saint and folk healer thought to have lived in the 13th-14th centuries. Adjacent to a mosque, the mausoleum creates a spiritual unity and is visited to seek healing and pray. It stands out with its dual dome architecture and historic stone craftsmanship.

On the third day, we will visit the historic structures from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods in Afyonkarahisar.

Ishaklı Han (Sahip Ata Caravanserai)

Ishaklı Han, the largest caravanserai in Afyonkarahisar, was commissioned in 1249 by Anatolian Seljuk vizier Sahip Ata Fahrettin Ali. Located on the Akşehir-Afyon highway in Sultandağı district, the structure is one of the unique examples of Seljuk han architecture, with its monumental gates and summer-winter sections.

Sultandağı Caravanserai (Sahipata Caravanserai)

Located at the same position as Ishaklı Han, Sultandağı Caravanserai is one of the unique examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture with its open courtyard layout. Standing in the district center right next to Çarşı Mosque, this historic structure silently witnesses the trade routes of centuries past.

Ebheri Turbe

Rising within a cemetery in the town of Eber, Ebheri Turbe is one of the architectural structures dating to the second half of the 13th century from the Anatolian Seljuk period. With its octagonal body and stone and brick craftsmanship, it is a quiet yet impressive witness to the Seljuk heritage of the region.

Kırkgöz Bridge

Rising over the Akarçay in Bolvadin district, Kırkgöz Bridge is one of Anatolia's oldest and longest stone bridges, built in 1150. With its 400-meter length and 60 arches, this giant structure standing on the Ancient Royal Road is a silent witness to deep history spanning from Byzantium to the Ottoman period.

Dört Göz Bridge

Rising over the Kali Stream in Şuhut district, Dört Göz Bridge is a sturdy stone bridge from the Ottoman period that has reached modern times. The two central arches of the structure extending in the north-south direction are larger than those on the sides; the round arches and arch ribs reflect the architectural understanding of the period.

On the fourth day, we focus on historic and spiritual stops around Bolvadin and Emirdağ.

Abdülkadir Geylani Mausoleum

Located in Bolvadin district, Abdülkadir Geylani Mausoleum, dedicated to Geylani-i Sani descended from Gavs-ı Azam Abdülkadir Geylani, is a place of great spiritual significance. It is a stop for those seeking healing.

Bolvadin Museum

Bolvadin Museum showcases the region's layered history with archaeological and ethnographic artifacts spanning a wide time period from the Early Bronze Age to the Republic era. It also features traditional bride and living room arrangements.

Yedikapılar Rock Settlement

Located near Kemerkaya village, Yedikapılar Rock Settlement is one of the region's most interesting historical areas, with rooms, corridors, ventilation shafts, and underground shelters carved into rocks during the Byzantine period between the 8th-10th centuries.

Amorium Ancient City

Located in Hisar Village, part of Emirdağ district, Amorium is an ancient city that has hosted seven civilizations from the Hittites to the Ottomans. During the Byzantine period, it was the empire's second most important city after the capital Constantinople. It continues to reveal the layers of history through active excavation work.

Suvermez Martyrs' Cemetery

Located in Suvermez Village, part of Emirdağ district, this martyrs' cemetery is dedicated to the memory of soldiers who lost their lives as a result of fire from enemy reconnaissance aircraft during the War of Independence. It is one of the quiet and profound witnesses of national history.

On our fifth and final day, we will explore the Şuhut and Sandıklı regions south of Afyonkarahisar and their natural beauties.

Bininler Rock Houses

Hidden in hilly terrain west of Senir village in Şuhut district, Bininler Rock Houses is an impressive open-air settlement area consisting of rock-carved dwellings, tomb chambers, and churches from the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. It has become a favorite of photographers and history enthusiasts.

Sandıklı Grand Mosque

Located in Sandıklı district, the Grand Mosque is a well-established Turkish-Islamic monument built in 1379 during the Germiyanoğulları period. With its square plan, single dome structure, and unique decorations, it represents the district's oldest and most valuable religious heritage.

Yunus Emre Mausoleums – Afyonkarahisar

Two separate Yunus Emre mausoleums, located within Afyonkarahisar's borders in Döğer Town and Sandıklı district, offer a profound spiritual journey for those wishing to follow the trail of Anatolia's most beloved Sufi poet.

Kuzu Ini Cave

Located approximately 7 kilometers from Balçıkhisar town in Şuhut district, Kuzu Ini Cave is a natural beauty awaiting discovery, positioned in the upper section of Karacamal Cave. With the region's quiet and untouched atmosphere, it offers nature lovers a unique cave experience.

Akdağ National Park

Located in Sandıklı district, Akdağ National Park is registered as Turkey's 49th National Park. With wild horses, deer, lush forests, and crystal-clear water sources, it is an indispensable destination for nature lovers. It offers many activities such as camping, trekking, and photo safari.

During five days in Afyonkarahisar, you can both delve into the depths of history and enjoy nature. There are many restaurants in the city center where you can taste local flavors. Private vehicles are recommended for transportation, but some sites are also accessible by public transport or taxi. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for your travels.

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