The Ancient Memory of Elmalı Plain
Situated on a mound near the village of Hacımusalar in the Elmalı district of Antalya, Khoma is one of the oldest settlements in the region. Unlike many coastal cities, it does not stand out with grand theaters but with a culture of agriculture and defense hidden within layers of soil for millennia. Khoma is a key point for understanding how life was shaped in the hinterlands of Lycia.
Turning Points of History
The history of Khoma dates back to the Bronze Age. Although the city was not officially part of the Lycian League, its geographical location allowed it to play a strategic role at the intersection of Lycian and Pisidian cultures. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, it became a bishopric center, gaining religious importance in the early periods of Christian history. Excavations at the mound prove that the city has seen continuous settlement since the Classical Period.
Secrets Beneath the Soil: Mound and Acropolis
The ruins of the city are largely hidden beneath the Hacımusalar Mound today. The fortification walls and building foundations from the Late Roman-Byzantine periods visible on the surface reflect the defensive character of the city. Terracotta figurines and ceramics found during excavations show that Khoma was not just a fortress, but also a vibrant center of production and art.
Practical Information
- Location: Hacımusalar Village, Elmalı district. Approximately 20 km from Elmalı center.
- Transportation: Accessible via the Elmalı-Korkuteli road by following the Hacımusalar sign.
- Entrance Fee: Free (Open archaeological site).
- Visiting Hours: Open 24/7.
- Duration: About 1 hour is sufficient to explore the mound and its surroundings.
- Combined Suggestion: Should be visited on the same day as the Elmalı Museum and historic Elmalı houses; many artifacts from Khoma are displayed in the museum.
