"3 thousand years old" caves in Phrygia can be visited in the evening with the lighting

Under the leadership of Afyonkarahisar Governorship, investments on the "Phrygian Way" route continue. Aslantaş and Yılantaş in the Göynüş Valley, as well as the restored Maltaş Open Air Temple, are among the preferences of history, nature and photography enthusiasts.

While the old rock settlements, carved rock tombs, chapels and fairy chimneys in Phrygia create a beautiful view with hot air balloons over Lake Emre, the historical sites and local gastronomic delicacies in Ayazini village impress visitors.

In the 24th part of Anadolu Agency's (AA) "Turkey's Caves" file news, 3 thousand-year-old caves in Phrygia were featured.

There are historical monuments, fairy chimneys, carved rock tombs, chapels and many caves on the 25-kilometer "Phrygian Way" route within the alternative tourism destination between Döğer town and Ayazini village.

Within the scope of the "Street Sanitization" project of the Afyonkarahisar Governorship, many large and small caves in the village of Ayazini, which was used by Phrygian and different civilizations for settlement, defense and storage purposes, were also unearthed.

Some of the more than 300 caves and chapels in the village add a mystical atmosphere to the region with the lighting system built with the support of the Zafer Development Agency.

Visitors to the region can visit the historical sites, some of which are used as cafes, both in the evening and during the day.

"Accommodation in Phrygia has also started"

Yunus Yılmaz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Phrygia Culture and Tourism Association, told AA correspondent that the caves unearthed within the scope of the "Street Sanitization" project in Ayazini village contribute to the tourism of the region in summer and winter.

Stating that some historical places and caves in the village were illuminated with the support of Zafer Development Agency, Yılmaz said:

"In addition to daylight hours, visitors started to come to Ayazini village in the evening and night hours after the lighting. The mystical atmosphere and silhouettes of the historical sites and caves in the region have won the appreciation of tourists. We make sure that these places are always clean, decent and organized. Now, camping is also practiced among these places, especially in the summer months. Accommodation in boutique hotels has also started."

Nevzat Çakmak, a shopkeeper, stated that they will have a pleasant time with local flavors in Phrygia, which is called the second Cappadocia. Pointing out that they would like to be included in the Culture Road Festival applied on behalf of Phrygia, Yılmaz noted that some caves in the village serve tourists as cafes and people can have a pleasant time tasting the local flavors of the region.

Zeynep Karakol, a business owner in Ayazini village, emphasized that the number of visitors to the region increased after the illumination of historical sites and caves and said, "The illuminated caves attract people more. Live music and fireside conversations are held in the cave cafes. The atmosphere is really beautiful."

Meryem Demirci, a visitor from Ankara, said that she liked the historical buildings illuminated at night and that they should definitely be seen.

Visitor Eda Nur Derin stated that they visited the caves in the region since daylight hours and took many photos in front of the illuminated historical structures.

Anadolu Agency correspondent Arif Yavuz's news article published on December 09, 2023. Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dosya-haber/frigyadaki-3-bin-yillik-magaralar-yapilan-isiklandirmayla-aksam-da-gezilebiliyor/3077829