The Place Where Kybele Became Artemis
The story of Myra, which was the capital of Lycia civilization for a period, begins with the grave reliefs, and ends in the sea with the Port of Andriake. This is also known as the place where Goddess Kybele was Artemis.
It Was Also Capital
Myra, between Kaş and Finike, continued its fame throughout the middle ages thanks to the bishop of St. Nicholas. Myra, which was among the six important cities of the Lycian Confederation with three voting rights, was named after the Myros River (Demre Stream) where it was founded. The city's water supply was provided by the canal system carved into rocks on the edge of Demre.
Demre Stream, which gave life to the city, also brought an end to the city with the alluviums it carried (causing erosion), as in many ancient cities.
Myra lost its importance as a result of Arab raids that started in the 7th century AD and ended in the 9th century AD and eventually it was captured in 809 AD. The glory days of the city were between 408 AD and 450 AD during the reign of Theodosius II. During this period, it became the capital city (metropolis) of Lycia, and reached the sea through the port city of Andriake in Çayağzı region and became prominent in trade.
The Graves in Necropolis Are Worth Seeing
Among the coins belonging to the Lycian Confederation were the ones minted in the name of Myra. The residents of Myra, which means “the place of the Great Mother Goddess”, also believed in the Mother Goddess Artemis. In coins Artemis is represented in the form of Kybele, the oldest Goddess of Anatolia.
The ancient theater of the city, which was built on top of the rock tombs, is expanding downwards. The reliefs on both sides and above the tombs in the river necropolis are worth seeing. This magnificent Roman theatre is one of the few ancient theatres that survived to the present day.
While You Are Here
Demre Bird Paradise located between Çayağzı Port and the ancient city of Andriake is a place to be visited because of its meandering landscape and the 149 different bird species. The sulphur waters in the bird paradise which is at the point where the meandering water meets the sea, also create a feeding area for birds, as well as its healing powers.
Source : https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=MYR01&DistId=MYR
