Alabanda, Archaeological site in Doğanyurt, Turkey
Alabanda is an ancient settlement in southwestern Turkey with substantial remains spanning multiple periods. The ruins include a large theater, a senate building, defensive walls surrounding the site, and temples honoring Apollo and Artemis.
The settlement began around 4000 years ago during the Hittite Kingdom period and evolved into a significant urban center. In 70 BCE it became part of Rome's Asian Province, bringing major changes to its organization and development.
The name Alabanda comes from Carian words "ala" meaning horse and "banda" meaning race, showing how the ancient inhabitants connected their settlement to horsemanship. This linguistic memory helps visitors understand what mattered most to the people who lived here.
The site is open daily year-round with standard daytime hours, allowing visitors to walk through at a comfortable pace. Entry is free, making it easy to spend as much time as you wish exploring the different ruins and structures.
A local legend tells of two competing artists who simultaneously built the senate building and a water system to win a princess's hand. This tale reveals how much the community valued masterful construction and engineering skill.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
