The history of Side is rooted in deep antiquity. According to historical data, the city was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis, although archaeological finds indicate the existence of a local settlement even before the arrival of the colonists. The city's name has a symbolic meaning: in the ancient Anatolian dialect, the word "Side" meant "pomegranate." This fruit was considered a symbol of abundance and fertility, becoming the main emblem of the city, frequently minted on coins until the Roman period.
Side's development from a small colony into a thriving polis was due to several strategic advantages:
Geography: The city is located on a small peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, which provided natural protection and an excellent view of the surrounding waters.
Maritime Infrastructure: Side possessed two artificial harbors, making it the most important port in Pamphylia and a convenient stop for merchant ships.
Trade: Its advantageous location at the crossroads of sea routes allowed the city to become an intermediary in trade between Asia and the western Mediterranean.
A unique feature of the early period was cultural assimilation: the Greek settlers mixed with the local population, forming a special Sidetic language, the deciphering of which was an important discovery for historians. The city's economic power manifested early, and by the 5th century BC, it began minting its own silver coins, with the goddess Athena revered as the main patroness of the polis.
Timeline
The history of Side is filled with dramatic turns, from its heyday as a trading port to total oblivion and its rebirth as an open-air museum. Below are the key milestones in the city's chronicle:
7th Century BC — Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis found a colony on the site of an ancient settlement, giving it a name meaning "pomegranate."
334 BC — The city opens its gates to Alexander the Great without a fight, avoiding destruction and becoming part of his empire.
190 BC — A major naval battle takes place off the coast of Side between the Rhodian fleet and the forces of Hannibal, who was fighting on the side of the Seleucid state.
2nd–1st Centuries BC — Side becomes a major center of the slave trade and piracy in the Eastern Mediterranean, while maintaining broad autonomy.
67 BC — Roman general Pompey clears the region of pirates, after which the city comes under the protection of Rome and begins to flourish.
2nd Century AD — The "Golden Age" of urban development: the monumental ancient theater, the temples of Apollo and Athena, and aqueducts are built.
4th Century AD — Due to the weakening of the Roman Empire and the threat of raids by mountain tribes, the city walls are rebuilt and reinforced.
5th–6th Centuries AD — The city experiences its last period of prosperity as a center of a Christian bishopric, evidenced by the construction of the Eastern Basilica.
7th Century AD — Arab raids cause irreparable damage to infrastructure and security, triggering a mass exodus of residents.
10th Century AD — After a series of earthquakes and fires, the city is finally deserted, and the remaining population moves to neighboring Antalya.
1895 — Turkish settlers from the island of Crete found the small village of Selimiye directly among the ancient ruins.
1947 — Large-scale systematic excavations begin under the leadership of Professor Arif Müfid Mansel, revealing Side's rich heritage to the world.
Milestones
Stages of Transformation: Urban Environment and Economy
The development of Side is a story of constant adaptation to changing trade routes, political regimes, and cultural trends. Several key milestones can be identified that shaped the unique architectural and social landscape of the city:
Introduction of Its Own Currency (5th Century BC)
The start of minting silver coins depicting a pomegranate (the symbol of the city) and Athena marked the economic independence of the polis. This turned Side into the region's dominant financial center, allowing it to trade with the East and West without intermediaries.
Period of the Pirate Economy (2nd–1st Centuries BC)
A paradoxical stage when the city became the main base for Cilician pirates and a center of the slave trade. Enormous revenues from this industry funded large-scale construction and the strengthening of city walls, laying the foundation for future architectural power.
Roman Urbanization and Engineering (2nd Century AD)
During this period, the city acquired its classic appearance. The construction of an aqueduct delivering water from the Manavgat River allowed for the creation of a system of fountains and baths. The construction of marble colonnaded avenues and a massive theater finally secured Side's status as the cultural capital of Pamphylia.
Byzantine Replanning (5th–6th Centuries AD)
With the adoption of Christianity, the urban landscape changed: ancient temples gave way to basilicas, and the city became a center of a bishopric. However, due to external threats, the city's area was reduced—residents built a new, narrower fortress wall, cutting off part of the old quarters for safety.
Preservation by Sand (10th–19th Centuries)
After residents abandoned the city due to Arab raids and the silting of the harbor, nature "mummified" the ruins. Deposits of sand and dunes covered most of the buildings, which paradoxically saved them from total destruction and the looting of building stone.
Settlement by Cretan Muslims (1895)
A major demographic shift: refugees from the island of Crete founded the village of Selimiye directly on the ruins of the ancient city. This created a unique symbiosis where Ottoman rural architecture intertwined with Roman heritage, forming the current character of the old town.
Archaeological Museification (since 1947)
The start of systematic excavations shifted the economic focus from agriculture and fishing to cultural tourism. Turning the city center into a protected archaeological zone made Side one of the most popular open-air museums in Turkey.
Architecture
An Architectural Chronicle in Stone
The architectural appearance of Side is unique in that it represents not just a sequential change of styles, but their physical layering. The city developed according to the Hippodamian system (a regular rectangular grid) characteristic of ancient urban planning, yet each era brought its own adjustments to this strict order. Today, Side is a rare example of the harmonious coexistence of monumental antiquity and cozy rural buildings from the late 19th century.
The city's key architectural layers can be divided into the following eras:
Hellenistic Period (Fortification and Foundation):
The general layout and powerful defensive structures have been preserved from this era. Side's walls are a prime example of Hellenistic military architecture, using rusticated masonry (stones with a roughly hewn face) designed to inspire awe in enemies.
Roman Imperial Style (2nd Century AD):
The dominant style in the modern appearance of the ruins. It is characterized by scale, the use of marble, Corinthian orders, and complex engineering. The Romans turned Side into a showcase of imperial grandeur, building wide colonnaded avenues, multi-story fountains (nymphaeums), and baths.
Early Byzantine Style (5th–6th Centuries):
The era of Christianity brought basilicas to the city. Architects of this period often used spolia—elements from destroyed pagan temples (columns, capitals)—to build churches, creating an eclectic visual sequence.
Traditional Ottoman Architecture (Late 19th Century):
The village of Selimiye, which emerged upon the ruins, introduced the style of two-story stone houses with wooden bay windows (cumba). These buildings were often constructed directly against ancient walls or even used them as foundations.
Iconic Structures and Their Features
Side's urban landmarks are objects that break common stereotypes about ancient architecture:
The Ancient Theater (Roman Style with Greek Roots):
The uniqueness of Side's theater lies in its engineering solution. Unlike classic Greek theaters carved into a hillside, this theater was built on a plain. Its auditorium (cavea) is supported by a system of powerful vaulted arches and galleries, making it akin to the Roman Colosseum.
Temple of Apollo (Roman Peripteros):
The city's calling card. This is a classic peripteros (a temple surrounded by a colonnade) with Corinthian capitals. The snow-white marble and elegance of its proportions make it a standard of Roman sacred architecture on the Mediterranean coast.
The Monumental Nymphaeum:
The grandiose facade, once decorated with statues and frescoes, demonstrates the Roman love for "facade architecture," reminiscent of theatrical sets. This structure served not only as a water source but also as a symbol of the city's wealth, greeting travelers at the main gates.
Colonnaded Streets:
The city's main thoroughfare, leading from the gate to the sea, was framed by covered porticos with shops. This solution is an ancient prototype of modern shopping galleries, protecting pedestrians from the sun and rain.
Notable People
Historical Figures and Rulers
Side's rich past has given the world several significant figures whose names are forever inscribed in the history of antiquity and Byzantium. Natives of the city reached heights in politics, law, and science.
Antiochus VII Sidetes (2nd Century BC) King of the Seleucid Empire
One of the last energetic rulers of the Seleucid Empire. He received the nickname "Sidetes" specifically because he was born and raised in Side, rather than the capital. His reign was an attempt to restore the state's former glory, and although he died on a campaign against the Parthians, historians note him as a talented commander and administrator.
Tribonian (c. 500–542 AD) Prominent Jurist and Statesman
A native of Side who became one of the key figures in the government of Emperor Justinian I in Constantinople. Tribonian led the commission for the codification of Roman law, which resulted in the famous "Corpus Juris Civilis." This work laid the foundation for all modern jurisprudence in continental Europe.
Philip of Side (c. 380 – after 431 AD) Church Historian and Writer
A Christian clergyman and author of the monumental work "Christian History," covering events from the creation of the world to his own day. Although many of his works were lost or criticized by contemporaries (such as Socrates Scholasticus) for their overly ornate style, Philip remains an important source of information on the early Christian era.
Marcellinus of Side (2nd Century AD) Physician and Poet
A well-known ancient physician who sought to popularize medical knowledge through art. He wrote an extensive didactic poem, "Cheiron," in Greek, consisting of 42 books. It described the properties of medicinal plants and methods for treating various ailments.
Researchers Who Revived the City
Modern Side owes its status as a popular resort and open-air museum to the scientists who dedicated their lives to its study and restoration.
Arif Müfid Mansel (1905–1975) Archaeologist, Professor
A pioneer of Turkish archaeology who began the first systematic excavations in Side in 1947. It was under his leadership that the main streets, the theater, and the agora were cleared. Mansel did not just excavate ruins; he laid the scientific foundation for understanding the history of Pamphylia, transforming a neglected village into a world cultural heritage site.
Jale İnan (1914–2001) Archaeologist, Turkey's first female archaeologist
She continued Mansel's work and made an invaluable contribution to the restoration of Side's monuments. Her main achievement in the city was the work on the Temple of Apollo: thanks to her efforts and scientific approach, part of the colonnade was restored and raised, becoming a recognizable symbol of the resort. She also founded the Side Museum in the building of the ancient baths.