Klazomenai, Archaeological site in Urla, Turkey
Klazomenai is an ancient city whose ruins span across Karantina Island and extend toward the foothills of Ayyıldız and Cankurtaran hills in western Urla. The site displays structures and layers from multiple historical periods revealed through ongoing excavations.
The city was founded in the 7th century BC and grew to become one of twelve major Ionian cities. When Persian conflicts arose, the inhabitants moved their settlement to Karantina Island for protection.
The city was known for its handcrafted terracotta sarcophagi decorated with war and hunting scenes that showed the skill of local artisans. These art objects tell stories of the creativity and ability of the people who lived here.
Access to the excavation site is through the İskele District in Urla where you can explore the remains. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for your visit, as the hilly terrain offers little shade on warm days.
This location contains the remains of one of the earliest known industrial-scale olive oil production workshops dating to the 6th century BC. The facility features numerous rock-cut pits that were used to process olives on a large scale.
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