3,000-Year-Old Phrygian Rock Tomb Converted Into a Café

In the İhsaniye district of Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye, a 3,000-year-old rock tomb belonging to the ancient Phrygian civilization has been controversially converted into a café. The site, part of the Phrygian Valley and listed as a UNESCO tentative cultural heritage, has sparked significant backlash from experts and the public alike.

The Significance of the Phrygian Valley and Ornas Rock Tombs

The Phrygian Valley, located in west-central Anatolia, is renowned for its remarkable rock-cut tombs and sanctuaries dating back to the early first millennium BCE. These structures provide valuable insights into the religious and social practices of the Phrygian people. Among these, the Ornas Rock Tombs stand out as rare and culturally invaluable examples that require strict protection.

Experts Warn of Irreversible Damage

Archaeologist Ahmet Levent Zeybek warned that the commercial use of such a site causes irreversible harm:

“These rock tombs are among the world’s most important cultural heritages. Using them for commercial purposes seriously threatens their original texture and historical value.”

Professor Havva İşkan Işık added:

“This is not just physical damage; it is a denial of a culture that has lasted thousands of years. Interventions like this amount to cultural destruction.”

Café Owner Responds: “No Ill Intentions”

Following public criticism, the café owner Halil Çakmak explained that the intention was to support local tourism. He stated:

“We wanted to contribute to the development of our region. We applied for the necessary permits and paid certain usage fees. However, no fees were paid specifically for the tomb area. After the controversy, we ceased all activities inside the tomb and will continue operations only in the surrounding area.”

Official Investigation Underway

The Afyonkarahisar Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism has filed a formal complaint regarding the unauthorized use of the site. They emphasized that damaging protected archaeological areas is subject to legal penalties.

Phrygian Valley and Türkiye’s Cultural Heritage

The Phrygian Valley is not only important for its rock tombs but also for its ancient city ruins, rock reliefs, and rich cultural legacy, making it one of Türkiye’s most significant open-air museums. Protecting these sites is crucial for both scientific research and tourism. However, insufficient protection and supervision have increased the risk of damage to these invaluable cultural assets.

Cover Image Credit: Selim Uzun – Hürriyet