"Phrygia" will be the alternative tourism route of Eid al-Adha

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.

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

"Phrygia welcomes hundreds of local and foreign guests every day"

İhsaniye District Governor Doğukan Koyuncu told AA correspondent that while Phrygia used to host around 200 thousand guests annually, it has turned into a tourism destination that hosts 2 million local and foreign tourists with public-private investments made in recent years.

Emphasizing that Phrygia is a "tourism circle" between Döğer town and Ayazini village, Koyuncu said:

"Today, hot air balloons fly over Lake Emre and you can go on an ATV safari in Ayazini village. The mystical environment of the Maltas Open Air Temple, whose landscaping has been completed, impresses people. Historical Phrygia has become an important tourism destination in Turkey with multiple points. As we are in the summer season, Phrygia welcomes hundreds of local and foreign guests every day. The number of visitors increases every year with new investments in the region."

Koyuncu explained that the tourism potential of Phrygia has increased with boutique cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops featuring gastronomic delicacies as well as concert organizations.

Stating that they observed the added value of tourism as the number of tradesmen in the region increased from 2 to 40, Koyuncu continued as follows:

"We are also happy that public-private sector investments in Phrygia turn into employment. Hopefully, the number of employment will continue to increase with new workplaces in Phrygia. We have the upcoming Eid al-Adha ahead of us, and our tradesmen in Phrygia have also made their preparations. Afyonkarahisar and Ihsaniye district is the point where thermal hotels are densely located. The occupancy rates of our hotels are very high. The most popular travel route of our guests on Eid will be the 25-kilometer Phrygian Way. We recommend our guests to visit 3 thousand years old historical sites."

"Frigian tradesmen are ready for Eid al-Adha"

Shopkeeper Çiğdem Acar also noted that Phrygia has started this year's tourism season well and that the tours coming every week bring mobility to the region.

Stating that the tradesmen in Phrygia have completed their preparations before the feast, Acar said, "The caves in Ayazini village were illuminated. A different atmosphere was created by creating night walking areas. We are ready with our live music and entertainment activities. We welcome everyone to Phrygia."

Shopkeeper Şerife Karakol stated that they are very pleased with the number of tourists coming to Phrygia in recent months and that they think that business will be busy during the feast.

Tradesman Nevzat Çakmak stated that they will have a pleasant time with local flavors in Phrygia, which is called the second Cappadocia.

Anadolu Agency Correspondent Arif Yavuz's news article published on June 23, 2023. Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur/kurban-bayraminda-alternatif-turizm-rotasi-frigya-olacak/2928407