Midas Sehri Attractions
Central Anatolia
The small village of Yaziliaya or "inscribed rock" and the ancient site of Midas Sehri (Midas Town) and Midas Tomb are situated 100km/62mi south of Eskisehir at the northern foot of the Oluk Dagi (1,713m/5,618ft) in the headwaters of the Sakarya Nehri. It can be reached either from the regional centers of Çifteler or Seyitgazi in the north or Afyon and Kümbet. The region contains many interesting rock monuments from the last Phrygian period which date from the sixth century B.C. but some believe them to be even older. The houses only rarely have flat roofs but have been carved to create facades which were combined with the usual wooden constructions. The Phrygian monuments are characterized by a flat geometrical design around the edging or else cover larger surfaces like a carpet. Only rarely are figured motifs found. Frequently occupying a central position is a door which leads either to a burial chamber or to a niche where an image of a deity would be placed during devotions.
The small village of Yaziliaya or "inscribed rock" and the ancient site of Midas Sehri (Midas Town) and Midas Tomb are situated 100km/62mi south of Eskisehir at the northern foot of the Oluk Dagi (1,713m/5,618ft) in the headwaters of the Sakarya Nehri. It can be reached either from the regional centers of Çifteler or Seyitgazi in the north or Afyon and Kümbet. The region contains many interesting rock monuments from the last Phrygian period which date from the sixth century B.C. but some believe them to be even older. The houses only rarely have flat roofs but have been carved to create facades which were combined with the usual wooden constructions. The Phrygian monuments are characterized by a flat geometrical design around the edging or else cover larger surfaces like a carpet. Only rarely are figured motifs found. Frequently occupying a central position is a door which leads either to a burial chamber or to a niche where an image of a deity would be placed during devotions.
Kumbet, Turkey
(Near Midas Sehri (Yazilikaya))
In the tiny village of Kümbet 15km/9mi east of Yazilikaya stands a pedimented monument from Roman times with carved lions in front of an urn and other smaller animals. Two more shrines can also be seen close to the mosque. The one at the rear has a pointed canopy above a rock throne. The Seljuk türbe opposite, like many of the village houses, incorporates some ancient stones (old cemetery).
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Midas Sehri - Midas' Tomb
Midas' Tomb is actually a sacred site, not a tomb. It is dedicated to the mother goddess known as Cybele.
Bahsayis, Turkey
(Near Midas Sehri (Yazilikaya))
South of Kirka at the end of a rough track about 12km/7mi southwest of Yazilikaya lies the Caucasian village of Gökbahçe (Bahsayis or Bahsis). In a gorge behind the village school a shrine has been carved out of the rock.
Cukurca, Turkey
(Near Midas Sehri (Yazilikaya))
The village of Cukurca (Gügürça or Burhaniye) is situated 2km/1.25mi north of Yazilikaya. Alongside a number of burial caves is a typical cave tomb in the shape of a temple with pediment and columns - what the local Turks call "gerdekkaya" (bridal chamber rock). A magnificent coffered ceiling with beams has been faithfully carved from the rock. Some 500m/540yds south of the village stands a simple 8m/26ft high pedimented Arezastis shrine with lines of inscriptions and rectangular ornaments.
