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Like so many around the world, we are also taking this time to venture near — to discover what beautiful destinations we have close to us, some that we had overlooked for the more exotic. Every week we’ll be sharing a new destination in Turkey, trying to unravel the mysteries — one road trip at a time.
Week 2: Phrygian Valley – Kütahya, Uşak & Afyon
The Phrygians, an ancient people whose power hit its peak in the 8th century BC, left the world with many legends of antiquity that are often not shown the attention they deserve. Be it King Midas, whose touch turned everything into gold, or Gordias, whose knot was only cut by Alexander the Great — the stories have led to a proud landscape full of natural and historical sights.
With the cultural and infrastructure investment going into this region, the MEP Family loved discovering its many secrets. We especially enjoyed:
The antique Greek city of Aizanoi and its current village of Çavdarhisar — amid emptiness, its grand temple rises with a surprise altar room underneath. Mehmet Gürsoy, a UNESCO Living Human Heritage, and his çini atelier in an old mansion in the old town of Kütahya. The newly opened Uşak Archaeology Museum and its world-famous Lydian Treasures — burial treasures from the 7th century BC, twice stolen from Turkey and now displayed in all their glory. Hiking and discovering the Phrygian Remains in Afyon’s valleys. And the secret Roman sculpture museum at Kütahya Air Force Base — open for those who knock on the door. Really.
