Pinara (Minare Village)

The Enigmatic Ruins of Pinara: A Journey through Ancient Lycia

Unearth the tales and remnants of Pinara, a city carved in stone and brimming with tales from antiquity.

Introduction:

Nestled 40 kilometres from Fethiye and a mere 5 kilometres off the Fethiye-Kaş highway, Pinara beckons history enthusiasts and travelers alike. This ancient city, a mere 2-kilometre drive from Minare village, is a testament to Lycia’s grandeur and architectural prowess.

Origins and Naming:

The ancient writer, Stephanus, citing Byzantian Menekrotes, offers a fascinating insight into Pinara’s establishment. As Xanthos swelled with inhabitants, a group of elders sought a new home, choosing the lofty hill of Kragos Mountain. The city’s name, “PINARA”, translates to “round”, aptly describing the city’s upper acropolis. Lycian inscriptions, however, read the name as “Pinale”. Intriguingly, the nearby village bears a name, Minare, reminiscent of Pınara.

Pinara in the Lycian League:

Strabon’s writings, quoting Artemidoros, herald Pinara as one of the six pivotal cities in the Lycian Union’s Assembly, boasting three voting rights – a testament to its significance in ancient times.

Architectural Marvels of Pinara:

1. Rock Tombs: As one approaches the ancient city, the eastern slope of the upper acropolis reveals countless rock tombs, a testimony to Lycian funerary art. Intriguingly, these tombs mimic residences, offering insights into Lycian domestic architecture.

2. Expansion to Lower Acropolis: As the upper acropolis grew crowded, the more accessible lower acropolis burgeoned with life, showcasing edifices like Odeon’s, agoras, temples, and pili graves.

3. Odeon and Agora: Entering through the city’s southern gate, the Odeon, set against a slope, and the nearby agora stand as the city’s central attractions.

4. Piled Graves and Tombs: Earthquakes that once rocked Pinara have left behind fascinating ruins near the water source in the lower acropolis’s base. These include piled graves and numerous tombs, each telling tales of the city’s past. One particular tomb stands out due to its intricate reliefs, believed to depict Pinara, hinting at its occupant possibly being Pinara’s prince.

Legends and Historical Significance:

1. The Birthplace of Democracy: As the capital city of the Lycian League, Patara holds the honor of being among the six cities with three voting rights in the League. The Council of the Lycian League is believed to be the world’s inaugural democratic council.

2. A Saintly Origin: Saint Nicholas, later known for his legendary kindness, was born here around 280 AD. Most of his life, however, was spent in Myra (Demre).

3. Apostle Paul’s Journey: On his third tour from Rhodes, Apostle Paul anchored in Patara’s port, accompanied by Evangelist Luke and fellow travelers.

4. Greek Mythology’s Twins: Deemed as the birthplace of the divine twins Apollo and Artemis, Patara resonates with their myth. The twins, born to Zeus and Leto, have legends intertwined with the city. A significant bust of Apollo near the city hints at a Temple of Apollo, yet to be precisely located.

Conclusion:

Pinara, with its intricate rock-carved structures and tales echoing from antiquity, is a treasure waiting to be rediscovered. A visit to this ancient city promises a journey through time, with each stone whispering tales from the annals of Lycian history.

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