Türkiye’s ancient theater of Tlos to host performances after 2,000 years
An aerial view shows the ancient city of Tlos, which is counting down the days to host new performances, as restoration work faithful to the original structure nears completion in the Seydikemer district of Mugla, Türkiye, April 12, 2025. (AA Photo)
The ancient theater at Tlos, one of the major cities of the Lycian civilization, is preparing to host performances once again as restoration works near completion in Türkiye’s southwestern Mugla province.
Located in the Seydikemer district, the theater—part of the ancient city of Tlos—has been undergoing restoration under the leadership of Professor Taner Korkut from the Department of Archaeology at Akdeniz University. The project, which has been ongoing for over a year, is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Akdeniz University.
Tlos, together with other Lycian cities in Antalya and Mugla, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List under the name “Ancient Cities of the Lycian Civilization.”
Original stones returned to their place
The ancient theater, which has been restored using almost entirely its original stone blocks, is expected to reopen for performances by late 2025. According to Professor Korkut, the process involved removing collapsed blocks, cleaning and preserving them off-site, and then returning them to their original positions.
“In the restoration, we used materials that match the original one-to-one in both texture and color. Only a very small number of irreparable blocks were replaced,” Korkut told Anadolu Agency.
He emphasized the level of precision in the work, stating that approximately 90 percent of the restoration has been completed.
Seating capacity nearly doubled
Before the excavation, experts estimated that the theater could hold about 4,000 people. However, further analysis revealed the structure’s true capacity.
“Tlos theater can accommodate around 8,500 spectators comfortably. It is one of the largest theaters in the region between Mugla and Antalya,” said Korkut. “This demonstrates the significance of Tlos within ancient Lycia.”
A city of political and cultural weight in ancient Lycia
Tlos is one of six major Lycian cities built overlooking the Xanthos Valley, a region mentioned in Homer’s epics. Alongside Patara, Xanthos, and Pinara, Tlos held a prominent place in the Lycian League. These four cities were each granted three votes in the Lycian Parliament—an indication of their metropolitan stature.
The restoration of the theater not only revives a significant architectural structure but also reaffirms Tlos’s cultural importance in antiquity.
Region expects tourism boost
Supported by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Mugla Governor’s Office, Akdeniz University, and Seydikemer Municipality, the project is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the region.
Once opened, the ancient theater is set to become a major venue for cultural events and performances, drawing attention to one of Lycia’s most spectacular archaeological treasures.
