Delikkemer Aqueduct: An Ancient Engineering Marvel Leading to Patara

Located in the Kaş district of Antalya, Türkiye, the Delikkemer Aqueduct invites visitors on a breathtaking journey through history. Built during the Hellenistic period and extensively used throughout the Roman Empire, this remarkable 22-kilometer waterway once supplied the ancient city of Patara with fresh water.

A Walk Through Time: From Mountains to the Sea

The aqueduct stretches across the rugged landscape, passing through forests and offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. One of its most fascinating features is the Delikkemer, a 200-meter-long structure made from massive stone blocks, some pierced in the center and interlocked with precision. It remains remarkably intact to this day.

Dr. Şevket Aktaş, head of the Patara excavations, explains:
“Delikkemer is more than just a water conduit. It’s a masterpiece that reflects the architectural and engineering brilliance of its time.”

Roman Engineering and the Reverse Siphon System

What makes Delikkemer particularly significant is its use of the reverse siphon principle, a rare and advanced method for transporting water across deep valleys. Built between two hills, the structure allowed water to flow uphill and downhill without the need for pumps — purely through gravitational force and pressure.

Aktaş notes:
“This structure is 190 meters long, 9.5 meters high, and 3.5 meters wide. It’s one of five arched constructions that carried water from the source to the city of Patara.”

The aqueduct originated in Bodamya, now known as the village of İslamlar, and followed a carefully engineered route down to Patara, ensuring a consistent and clean water supply for centuries.

From Function to Prestige: Water as a Symbol of Power

Water was not only essential for survival in ancient cities — it was a sign of wealth and technological sophistication. In Patara, the water arriving from Delikkemer was stored in a central reservoir before being distributed to various parts of the city, including the port.

“When entering the city, visitors were greeted by a waterfall-like curtain of water flowing from the city gate, a visual and auditory display of Rome’s power,” says Aktaş.

“This was more than infrastructure — it was imperial propaganda.”

As part of the “Heritage for the Future” Project by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, there are now plans to recreate this dramatic water display, allowing modern visitors to experience the ambiance of entering Patara just as ancient travelers once did.

A Hiking Route That Follows Ancient Water

Today, the ancient waterway has become a popular hiking trail for both tourists and locals. The scenic route follows the flow of history — quite literally — from the water source in the mountains all the way to the ruins of Patara Ancient City, one of the most important cities of the Lycian League.

“Each year, the local community organizes hikes and festivals along the route,” Aktaş says. “It’s no longer just an archaeological site — it’s a living, breathing part of our cultural heritage.”

How the Reverse Siphon Works

Aktaş also explains the technical brilliance behind the system:

“When an aqueduct reaches a wide or deep valley, a reverse siphon is used. A water tank is built at the valley’s edge, and pipes run down into the valley and back up the opposite slope. As long as the entrance point is higher than the exit, water flows using pressure — like in a U-shaped pipe. In Delikkemer’s case, water was transferred from 170 meters to 140 meters elevation.”

Cover Image Credit: Delikkemer Aqueduct. Bekir Bektaş/AA