In Side, one of the most important settlements in the Pamphylia region during the 7th century BC, the remains of 20 historical columns from the Athena Temple, located next to the Temple of Apollo, were restored last year, bringing them back to life after centuries.
Side was a significant port city engaged in maritime trade in the past. The traces of various cultures, including the Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines, can be clearly seen in the city. Particularly during the Hellenistic period, Side became an important urban center, and it experienced its golden age during the Roman period.
The restoration of the historical columns uncovered during the excavations of the Athena Temple is being carried out by the Antalya Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Conservation.
The Regional Director of Cultural Heritage and Conservation, Veysel Akın, stated that the restoration work at the Athena Temple, which began in 2023, will be completed soon. He noted, “At the beginning of the restoration, there was only one standing column, and it didn’t even have a capital. Now, a total of 20 columns have been erected. Four of them have been raised in the northeastern section. The column capitals and all other architectural elements have also been restored. To support these columns structurally, they were reinforced with steel brackets.”
Original marble steps were identified on the eastern facade of the temple during the ongoing excavation work. To replace the missing marble steps, imitation completions were made using marble dust and mortar.
“We refer to the area as the Temple Zone or the Sacred Harbor Area.”
The Head of the Side Ancient City Excavation, Prof. Dr. Feriştah Alanyalı, stated, “Recent research conducted here has shown us that this area is not just limited to the temples of Athena and Apollo, but rather encompasses a large sacred area that includes other cultural sites right next to the harbor. Therefore, in recent years, we refer to the region as the Temple Zone or the Sacred Harbor Area. Although the initial work in the area began with excavations conducted by Arif Müfid Mansel in 1947, especially from 2023 onwards, with the significant support of our ministry, the excavation and restoration efforts in Side have become one of the most important areas under the Future Heritage Project.”
Prof. Dr. Alanyalı stated, “Those who came to work in the quarry in the late 19th century threw the stones from here into a pit to obtain lime, which was then used in construction. As a result, a large portion of the fragments from both temples is no longer available to us today. However, all the work carried out at the Athena Temple has focused on using original pieces. Every existing fragment we have has been utilized. After these efforts are completed, it will be difficult to discuss another restoration project for the Athena Temple, as all the usable fragments belonging to the temple have been evaluated within the scope of these restoration works.”
Restoration work on the Apollo Temple and its surroundings will begin soon.
