Barbaros Plain: The Junction of Old and New Roads on The Urla Peninsula

Authors : Tayfun Caymaz

Pages : 23-47

Doi:10.51493/egearkeoloji.1331464

View : 120 | Download : 211

Publication Date : 2023-10-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The Urla Peninsula stretches from the center of the western Anatolian coast to the Aegean Sea. Its fertile soils and maritime opportunities have made the peninsula economically and commercially important in every period. The route running on the east-west direction connects the peninsula to the Anatolian mainland. Both this route and the secondary roads connected to it converge and disperse in the Barbaros plain as required by geography. The high mountain masses that close the central part of the peninsula from north to south open up in the Barbaros plain. Before the construction of modern roads, the plain provided transportation facilities through its narrow passages. Archaeological data show that the plain was connected to the west by the Mataracı Gorge near the village of Birgi during the Early Bronze Age. The pottery finds observed on the commanding heights on both sides indicate the existence of an early derbent system. In Birgi, in the Hamamıkuyu area, there are the ruins of an accommodation place dating back to the 14th century. At the end of the 19th century, the Birgi connection lost its importance with the construction of a macadamized road passing through the southern part of the plain. The macadamized road coming from Urla follows the valley of Tatar Creek. Previously, Urla-plain connection was provided by the road passing through the Kavaklıdere valley to the north of it. Today\'s roads are also located on these two routes. Connecting the east-west main route, the plain is also the connection and distribution point for various secondary roads. These roads provide access to the southern sea via Ildırı (ancient Erythrai), Kıran (ancient Korakas/Korykos), Gülbahçe Bay and Zeytinler. Archaeological research provides data showing that the plain and its surroundings have been inhabited in various periods from the Neolithic period to the present day.
Keywords : Çarpan Boğazı, Erken Tunç Çağı, Hamamlıkuyu, Malgaca, Mataracı Boğazı, Merdivenlikuyu, Neolitik Çağ, Turna Boğazı