Türkiye’s ancient Hekate Temple rises again: Major restoration underway

2,100-year-old Hekate Temple, the classical goddess of crossroads, doors, night, magic, witchcraft, and ghosts, is being reconstructed in the Yatagan district of Mugla, Türkiye

Located within the 3,000-year-old Lagina Hekate Sacred Area, the Lagina Hekate Temple is undergoing significant restoration. The work involves the reconstruction of blocks belonging to the upper structure of the temple’s most sacred area, the naos, and the surrounding column sequence.

Professor Bilal Sogut, Head of the Stratonikeia and Lagina Excavation Teams, shared with an AA correspondent that excavations, restoration, and drafting continue year-round at Lagina.

Sogut emphasized that Lagina, located approximately 8.5 kilometers from the ancient city of Stratonikeia, is one of the two religious centers of the city. The presence of the Hekate Temple in Lagina elevates the sacredness of this area, as it was one of the most significant temples dedicated to the ancient goddess Hekate.

Osman Hamdi Bey’s early excavations in Western Anatolia

Sogut highlighted that this year’s work is being carried out in the sacred area and stressed that Lagina was one of the most important centers of the ancient period. Notably, the area was among the first excavation sites in Western Anatolia led by Osman Hamdi Bey during the Ottoman period, in the years 1891-1892.

The current team is focusing on both excavation and drafting, as well as temporary anastylosis, a technique of reconstructing a structure from original blocks without adding new elements. This approach has enhanced the team’s understanding of the ancient architecture of this crucial cultural site.

Future Heritage Project drives Hekate Temple’s restoration

Sogut noted that as they uncover and replace the 2,100-year-old blocks, they are reconstructing both the naos and the surrounding columns. The restoration efforts are part of the Legacy for the Future (Gelecege Miras) Project, which aims at leave a lasting legacy.

Sogut also mentioned that a special group of visitors comes specifically to see the Lagina Hekate Sacred Area and expects the number of visitors to increase following the completion of the restoration work.