Ancient Cities of
Marmara Region

Ainos, located within the borders of the Enez district of Edirne today, was one of the most strategic port cities of the ancient world. Established on a limestone peninsula on the northern coast where the Maritsa (Hebros) River embraces the Aegean Sea, this city has been the lifeblood of trade throughout history.

• Historical Depth: The name of the city is mentioned for the first time in Homer's immortal work, the Iliad. Archaeological excavations have unearthed pottery remains proving that the settlement in the region dates back to the Chalcolithic period, namely the 4th and 3rd millennia BC.
• Founding Legends: According to some sources, the city was built as a colony by the Aeolians, Mytilenians (Mitilene), and Cymeans. According to another rumor, Ainos was founded by the brother of Odysseus' friend Gencus. From the 7th century BC onwards, it continued its development as a full-fledged Greek city-state (polis).
• Works to be Seen: The imposing castle located on the city's acropolis was used as a defense line, especially against incursions from the Balkans. The Thracian horseman relief at the entrance of the castle and the Hagia Sophia (Fatih Mosque) inside are among the must-see structures. In addition, the rich floor mosaics and the Pan relief exhibited in the Edirne Museum reflect the artistic depth of the city.

Located in Dalyan Village of the Ezine district of Çanakkale, Alexandria Troas takes its name from Alexander the Great, one of the greatest emperors in history. It was founded in 310 BC by the commander Antigonus Monophthalmus under the name "Antigoneia," but after Alexander's death, its name was changed to Alexandria Troas.

• Roman Period Rise: The city, which was transformed into a colony for retired soldiers during the reign of Emperor Augustus, experienced its brightest times during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD). The wealthy Athenian Herodes Atticus made the city a center of attraction by building a massive aqueduct reaching the city from the Kaz Mountains (Mount Ida).
• Archaeological Stops: The Herodes Atticus Bath, one of the largest Roman baths in Anatolia, is the most magnificent ruin of the city. The Temple with Podium, Odeon (Small Theater), Palace structure, and the ancient harbor area take visitors back to the glorious days of Rome.
• In Touch with Nature: After visiting this ancient city, which gets lost among poppies and lush green trees in the spring months, it is possible to cool off by entering the waters of the Aegean in the ancient harbor right next to it. Moreover, the entrance to this impressive archaeological site is completely free.

Located in the Altınoluk town at the foot of the Kaz Mountains (Mount Ida), Antandros is almost a sacred place for mythology enthusiasts. According to Herodotus, the city was founded by the Pelasgians, and according to Virgil, by the Phrygians, and has a deep-rooted history dating back to the Trojan War.

• Mythological Rivalry: According to Strabo, the famous "Judgment of Paris" (Three Beauties Contest) between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite took place here. This contest, which resulted in Paris choosing Aphrodite, indirectly ignited the fuse of the Trojan War.
• Current Excavations: Excavations are actively continuing in the Terrace House and Necropolis areas of the city. Especially the mosaics in the Roman villas reveal the luxury life of the ancient period.
• Museum Connections: The impressive mosaics unearthed from the city are exhibited in the Bursa Archaeological Museum, and the grave gifts are exhibited in the Balıkesir Museum.

Assos, built on a volcanic hill in the Behramkale Village of the Ayvacık district, is one of the most characteristic ancient cities of Marmara. The hard andesite stone used in the construction of the city added both durability and a unique color to the city.

• Philosophy and Science: Aristotle, one of the world's most famous philosophers, lived here for a period and founded a school of philosophy. In addition, the andesite sarcophagi produced in the region and known as "flesh-eating sarcophagi" became famous in the ancient world for their ability to quickly turn the body into soil.
• Temple of Athena: The Temple of Athena, the only temple built in the Doric order in Anatolia, is located at the highest point of the city. Watching Lesbos Island and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea from here offers a unique visual feast to visitors.
• Synthesis of Architecture: The 14th-century Hüdavendigar Mosque at the entrance of the city rises side by side with ancient structures as a modest and elegant example of Ottoman architecture. The ancient theater, agora, and necropolis areas are other important stops of the city.

Located on the shores of Lake Iznik, Nikaia is a city surrounded by massive walls 5 kilometers long and has hosted four great empires throughout history. The city, which was captured by Alexander's commanders in the 4th century BC, was named after the wife of governor Lysimachus, Nike.

• Importance for Christianity: Hagia Sophia located in the city is a sacred pilgrimage center for the Christian world as it was the meeting place of the 7th Ecumenical Council. The angel icons and floor mosaics inside reflect the artistic and religious understanding of the period.
• City Gates: The Istanbul, Lefke, Yenişehir, and Göl gates symbolize the defense strategy and architectural aesthetics of the city. Especially the Lefke Gate was built in the form of a triumphal arch in honor of Emperor Hadrian.
• Roman Theater and Mimar Sinan: Although the 15,000-seat Roman Theater was used as a quarry over time to strengthen the walls, it still stands in all its glory. Traces of restoration carried out by Mimar Sinan during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent can also be seen in the Hagia Sophia structure.

Troia (Troy), one of the most recognized ancient cities worldwide, is located in the Hisarlık site of Çanakkale. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage list with its history dating back to 3000 BC, the city contains 9 different civilization layers.

• Trojan Horse and War: In these lands where the legendary war, which is the subject of Homer's Iliad Epic, took place, a copy of the Trojan Horse, the symbol of trickery and strategy, welcomes visitors. The 9-layered structure of the city is the greatest proof that there has been a continuous settlement here.
• National Park and Museum: The Troy Museum, which has won awards for its architectural design, is located in the region that gained national park status in 1996. The museum was designed by remaining faithful to the pre-excavation height of the ancient city and exhibits the unearthed works with the most modern methods.
• The Fabric of the City: The Temple of Athena, Roman period baths, the assembly building (Odeon), and the advanced sewage system show how advanced engineering and urbanism Troy had for its period.