Phrygian Valley

During the downfall of the Hittites around 1200 BCE, a tribe called the Phrygians started to migrate to Anatolia from the west. Their political superiority began in 750 BCE. The Phrygian Valleys are an enormous region unparalleled in the world, with rock fragments, historical and ancient ruins bearing the traces of the Phrygian Civilization. This area of natural beauty, stone monuments, rock settlements, open-air temples, fairy chimneys and 3,000 years of history is located among Türkiye's 10 most beautiful valleys. The Phrygians established a long inherent culture in the crossroad of Afyonkarahisar-Eskisehir - Kütahya provinces. They created the most interesting and valuable works of cultic tombs and monuments in the world, like the temple facades of the Mother Goddess Kybele Cult cut in large rock blocks, as well as the embossed lion reliefs related to the Mother Goddess Kybele Cult. Among the most important of these unique Phrygian rock-cut monuments are the Aslantaş, Yılantaş, Maltaş, Kapıkaya I and Kapıkaya II monuments, located in the north of Afyonkarahisar, in the İhsaniye District, Göynüş Valley, and the town, Döğer. The most important must-see monuments located in the Phrygian Valley are the Aslankaya, Kapıkaya 1-2, and Maltaş open-air temples (Maltaş açık hava tapınağı), the Ayazini ruins (Ayazini kalıntıları), the Aslantaş and Yılantaş rock-cut tombs, the Yedikapılar and Memeç rock settlements, and the Bayramaliler, Avdalaz and Asar Castles (Asar Kalesi). Other valuable historical places to see within the Phrygian Valley, are the Kırkinler, Seyildi fairy chimneys, the Ağın Rock Settlement, the Ornaş Rock Settlement, the Selimiye Rock Tombs, and the Antique Marble Quarry.