Cine (Alabanda) Attractions 
Çine (formerly Kiroba), hemmed in by the mountain ridges of the eastern (Topçambabadag 1,792m/5,875ft) and western (Teke Dag 1,276m/4,185ft) Mentese highlands, is a regional center barely 60km/37mi northeast of Milas. Agricultural land predominates in the lowlands of the Büyük Menderes valley with the cultivation of Mediterranean fruit and vegetables. This region was densely populated in the past and many ancient remains can be found. About 7km/4mi to the southwest near Araphisar and its ruined castle the important ancient site of Alabanda lies on the left bank of the Çine Çayi (Marsyas in antiquity). This free town which prospered in Roman times was also known as Antiocheia and became famous for its wealth. Its most famous citizen was the rhetorician Apollonios. It is also well known for "alabandicus", a black to purple-red marble used in the production of glass as it melts when heated. Some of the ruins lie near the village of Araphisar but they extend from the Çine Çayi south to the col between two hills separated by the Kemer Deresi.
History
According to legend the town was founded by King Kar. He called his son Alabandos and the town Alabanda after a successful cavalry battle (Carian "ala", horse and "banda", victory). The town enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the middle of the fourth century B.C. under King Mausolos. Upon the death of Ada, Mausolos' sister who was made queen of Caria by Alexander, Alabanda became the Carian capital. It attracted fame as the source of a precious stone similar to garnet.
History
According to legend the town was founded by King Kar. He called his son Alabandos and the town Alabanda after a successful cavalry battle (Carian "ala", horse and "banda", victory). The town enjoyed its greatest prosperity in the middle of the fourth century B.C. under King Mausolos. Upon the death of Ada, Mausolos' sister who was made queen of Caria by Alexander, Alabanda became the Carian capital. It attracted fame as the source of a precious stone similar to garnet.
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Çine - Rock Carvings
Near to Çine some 30m/100ft high Byzantine, painted rock carvings were recently discovered. The ten figures (each 2sq.m/7sq.ft) from the life of Christ probably date from the ninth century and include Christ with Bible and cross, John the Baptist, Mary with infant, Mary with her parents, archangel and angels.
Çine - Temple of Artemis
Excavations on the western hillside in 1904/05 exposed the remains of a Doric Temple of Artemis (?) with 11 by six columns. Still recognizable is the town wall which measures between 2.5 and 3m/8 and 11ft wide. Remains of projections and towers can be seen along its length. Some simple stone sarcophagi can be found on the outskirts of the town. Many of the tombs bear inscriptions stating the profession of the deceased. In the Kemer Deresi valley the remains of an aqueduct are visible.
