Alinda Ancient City was a hilltop town of ancient Caria, standing above the Karpuzlu plain in Aydın Province. Queen Ada of Caria held it when Alexander the Great arrived in 334 BC. Today you can still see its walls, towers, agora, theater and aqueduct, and it is rarely crowded.
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| Where | Karpuzlu district, Aydın Province |
|---|---|
| Region | Ancient Caria, western Turkey |
| Setting | Two rocky hills at the edge of the Karpuzlu plain |
| Famous for | Queen Ada and Alexander the Great |
Alinda Ancient City in Caria is located in the Karpuzlu district of Aydın province. Alinda is one of the most magnificent ancient cities of Anatolia. Ada was the Queen of Caria, who brought the ancient city of Alinda to the historical stage and made it famous. It is observed that granite stones are used in urban buildings. Alinda is a unique city for a traveler when it comes to traveling around western Turkey.
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The city of Alinda started to appear on the historical stage in the 4th century BC. When Macedonian Alexander the Great entered Anatolia, Mausolos’ daughter Ada was exiled in Alinda. Alexander the Great came and surrounded the city. He struggled to capture Alinda and couldn’t take the city. He decided to give up. Meanwhile, Ada opened the gates of the city of Alinda, invited Alexander inside, and wanted to negotiate. Then she made an offer. “Let me open the doors of Alinda to your soldiers. In return, I want something from you; leave Caria to me.” Alexander accepted this offer. This was not a very important situation for him. He knew he would not stop at Karia anyway. Alexander’s aim was to go further east, to other cities where the Persians lived and to bring down the Persian empire.
Ruins of Alinda
Even if modern excavations have not been carried out in Alinda yet, the strength and magnificence of their surviving structures are well enough to enchant everyone. Alinda is surrounded by a city wall. The city walls are made of local granite stone. Well preserved fortification walls are still standing in their places. Aqueducts that supply water to the city are also preserved in their original spots. Aqueduct to the west of the acropolis has a round arch, sitting on four legs. The most important building in Alinda that remains today is Agora. Agora is the market structure which has the upper floor arranged as a stoa. The theater is located on the southwestern skirt of the acropolis. The Alinda theater is located on a natural slope, the cavea facing the southeast is well preserved. The theater has Hellenistic features. Alinda theater received additions during the Roman period.
Alinda and the Carians
Alinda belonged to Caria, the land of the Carians in southwest Anatolia. Ada was driven out of Halicarnassus, today’s Bodrum, around 340 BC and made Alinda her capital. It struck its own coins until the 3rd century AD, and in Christian times it had a bishop.
Some of the towers on the walls rose two floors, and from the top you look far over the plain. Around the city there are tombs and sarcophagi from its cemetery, still laying where they were left.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Alinda?
Use the town of Karpuzlu in Aydın Province as your destination, since the ruins stand on the hill above it. You can find other places to see in the province in my post on places of interest in Aydın.
Is Alinda worth visiting?
Yes, if you like quiet ruins. The agora is nearly intact and the view over the plain is wide. The site is not restored, so wear sturdy shoes.
How old is Alinda?
The city grew in the 4th century BC, in the time of Queen Ada. It stayed in use into Roman times, when the theater was extended.
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Alinda is a unique gem preserved in western Turkey. I call it unique because while many other ancient sites are well excavated and crowded with tourist groups, Alinda is purely kept since it was abandoned. Alinda is easy to access and fun to visit. If you have any questions about Alinda, you can write to me. Also you can contact a tour guide like me if you wish to visit Alinda, Turkey with a private professional tour guide. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
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