Turkish ancient city Syedra in Antalya prepares for night tourism

The historical Syedra Ancient City, located in Antalya’s Alanya district, is making significant progress toward becoming a night tourism destination.

Turkish ancient city Syedra offers unique nighttime tours

Ongoing excavations, led by associate professor Ertug Ergurer of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, are set to allow nighttime visits to the ancient streets, theatre ruins and water cisterns.

Plans include lighting the city so that it remains open for tours until midnight, offering an extended opportunity for tourists to explore the ancient site.

Ergurer, who heads the excavation team, shared details about the project’s advancements, stating: “After we complete work on the welcome and walking areas, lighting will allow the site to be visited until midnight..”

The team has been working continuously to uncover the original structure of Syedra, which dates back to the ninth-century Roman period. Key areas uncovered so far include the 250-meter-long columned street, theatre and ancient bathhouses.

Alanya authorities support Turkish ancient city’s cultural significance

Local authorities have played a critical role in supporting the project. Alanya Mayor Osman Tarik Ozcelik, after visiting the site, praised the efforts to restore Syedra for future visitors.

“We are deeply committed to making Syedra a significant part of Alanya’s cultural tourism,” said Ozcelik, adding that his administration would continue to provide full backing for the restoration work.

The ancient city, positioned near the Sedre River, has uncovered impressive relics, including water systems, stairways, and passageways that connect the city’s major streets. “With each excavation, we reveal more of Syedra’s intricate network of alleys and stairways, which once connected the city’s large roads,” Ergurer explained.

These discoveries will soon allow visitors to experience an authentic tour of the city, further contributing to Alanya’s cultural offerings.

New addition to Antalya’s night-time tourist attractions

Antalya is already home to several renowned ancient cities and museums that offer night tours, such as Aspendos and Patara, both of which remain open to visitors until midnight. Other sites, including Side and Perge, close at earlier hours. Once the lighting project is completed, Syedra will be the latest addition to this list, allowing visitors to explore its history under the night sky.

“We aim to make Syedra accessible for nighttime exploration by 2025,” said Ergurer.

The site’s night tours will offer a different view of its historical significance, giving visitors the chance to explore its hidden features in a peaceful, illuminated setting. With the full support of local authorities and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the city is on track to become a major attraction for both local and international tourists.

Syedra’s rich past and the efforts to integrate it into the modern tourism landscape will no doubt increase interest in Antalya’s historical sites.

This project not only enhances the city’s ancient importance but also aligns with broader initiatives to promote Türkiye’s historical heritage on a global scale.