Hidden marvels of Phrygian Valley: Türkiye’s ancient Kingdom of Midas

Nestled in the heart of western Türkiye, the Phrygian Valley offers a rare glimpse into a world where ancient empires thrived.

Thousands of years ago, travelers including armies, merchants and explorers passed through this storied valley, once part of the ancient realm of the legendary King Midas.

Timeless caves and carved monuments in Phrygian Valley

The Phrygian Valley, sprawling across roughly 5,300 square kilometers (about 2,000 square miles), is lined with cliffs that rise above rolling hills, a sight that holds a legacy of tombs, forts and monuments.

Originally named after the Phrygians, who settled here over 3,000 years ago, the area has witnessed numerous cultures, each leaving its mark on the soft volcanic rock. This rock, famously shaped by both human hands and wind erosion, now forms dramatic stone structures and cone-shaped fairy chimneys that captivate visitors.

Today, this valley, recognized on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List since 2015, is a hidden gem inviting tourists to explore its labyrinthine caves, burial chambers, and remnants of churches from the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Early roots: From Hittites to Phrygians

Although the region of Afyonkarahisar is synonymous with the Phrygians, the Hittites were, in fact, the earliest major civilization to settle in this valley. The Phrygians, arriving in the ninth century B.C., made the valley their exclusive domain, whereas the Hittites centered themselves further east.

The Phrygians’ mythology endures today, notably their reverence for Kybele, the mother goddess who symbolized fertility and abundance. Throughout the valley, sacred stone monuments pay homage to Kybele, and lion figures etched into rock tombs represent her powerful guardianship.

Among these sacred sites, the Aslankaya Temple, carved in dedication to Kybele, overlooks the serene Lake Emre. Tourists visiting the valley have the opportunity to explore it through scenic boat rides or even hot-air balloon tours, taking in breathtaking views of both the ancient sites and flocks of migratory birds gliding above the lake.

Ayazini Village: Phrygia’s ancient spiritual heart

Ayazini village, known as the heart of Phrygia, served as a crucial religious center during the Roman and Byzantine eras. With a history that stretches back thousands of years, Ayazini, previously known as Ayazini Metropolis, has been inhabited since the time of the Phrygians. Over time, the village has evolved into a unique mosaic where ancient tombs and modern homes coexist.

Settlement in Ayazini is believed to date back nearly 6,000 years, and under Phrygian control from 750 to 696 B.C., it grew as a focal point for the Eastern Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman empires. Here, carved rock structures house storage rooms, stables, castles, and cisterns, while rock-hewn necropolises offer a look at the burial practices of diverse ancient civilizations.

Among the most notable historical sites in Ayazini is the Necropolis, where tombstones from the Ottoman period stand alongside Byzantine churches, showcasing the valley’s legacy as a cradle of tolerance and cultural blending.

Virgin Mary Church and Avdalaz Castle

Among the area’s most cherished sites is the Church of the Virgin Mary, a Byzantine church carved into the rock. This structure, along with 25 other churches and chapels scattered across the valley, highlights Ayazini’s significance during the Byzantine period.

Also located in Ayazini is Avdalaz Castle, a fortified rock structure featuring multiple rooms spread across different levels. It was designed as a defensive structure, with a cistern located at the upper entrance and burial chambers at the lower levels, adding layers of history to this well-preserved heritage site.

Journey through millennia

From ancient burial chambers guarded by lion motifs to rock-hewn churches and castles, the Phrygian Valley is a true testament to the civilizations that once thrived in western Türkiye.

This cultural treasure, shaped by empires and traditions over millennia, continues to offer visitors an unmatched journey through history, where past and present converge under the Anatolian skies.