HYDAI (Damlıboğaz)
An ancient city founded at the foothills of Karaoğlan Mountain, in present-day Damlıboğaz village, named after the Greek word for water (hydor). Known for its location by the Sarı Stream and temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis.
Hydai is a small city established at the eastern foot of Karaoğlan Mountain, on the site of Damlıboğaz village. The city name is said to come from the Greek word "hydor" meaning water. A coin of Hydai from the 2nd century AD shows that the city was founded on a river bank. On the coin, a river god representing Kybessos (Sarı Çay - Yellow River) passing in front of the city, leaning on a jug, holds a reed in his hand. There are three fish swimming in the water flowing from the jug.
Very little is known about the history of Hydai. However, it is known that it paid tribute to the Attic - Delian Sea League in the 5th century BC and was independent in the 2nd century AD.
On the hill behind the village, there are fortress ruins with walls 3.50 meters wide, and in the plain at the foot of the mountain, there are temple ruins built for Apollo and Artemis, the chief gods of the city. In recent years, chamber tombs have been found in Hydai. The burial gifts found in them are exhibited in the Milas Museum.
Our Historical Cities (15)
BEÇIN (Pezona, Peçin, Barçın)
A historic settlement rising on a plateau overlooking the Milas Plain, with roots dating back to the Bronze Age. The ancient site served as the capital of the Menteşeoğulları Principality in the 13th century.
SINURI
A sanctuary built with red marble blocks in the Kalınağıl village of Milas, dedicated to the Carian god Sinuri. An important center of faith since the 4th century BC.
LABRANDA
The most important pilgrimage center of Carian civilization, situated in the mountains north of Milas among pine forests and water sources. Named after the double-headed axe (Labris) motif, connected to Mylasa by the "Sacred Road".
OLYMOS (Kafaca)
An ancient settlement located northwest of Milas, near Kafaca village. The city lost its independence in the 2nd century BC when it merged with Mylasa, known for its temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemisia.
KHALKETOR (Karakuyu)
An ancient settlement founded at the foothills of Karakuyu Mountain, northwest of Milas, which became a member of the Attic-Delian League in the 5th century BC. Known for its strong defensive system with three different fortresses.
