Turkey, Side

Side is one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey, and was an ancient harbour whose name meant pomegranate. Side is a resort town on the southern coast of Turkey, near the villages of Manavgat and Selimiye, 75 km from Antalya) in the province of Antalya. It is located on the eastern part of the Pamphylian coast, which lies about 20 km east of the mouth of the Eurymedon River.

History

Side was an ancient maritime city of Pamphylia, located 16 km from Seleucia. During the sixth century BC, Side fell under the rule of Lydia, a kingdom in Asia Minor. It gained partial autonomy under Persian rule after 547 BC.

The consul Servilius Vatia defeated these brigands in 78 BC and later the Roman general Pompey in 67 BC, bringing Side under the control of the Roman Empire. Side's second peak period started around 2C BC when it established and maintained a good working relationship with the Roman Empire.

Side began to steady decline from the fourth century on. Even defensive walls could not stop successive invasions from highlanders from the Taurus Mountains. During the fifth and sixth centuries, Side experienced a revival and became the seat of the Bishopric of Eastern Pamphylia.

There are colossal ruins of a theater complex, the largest of Pamphylia, built much like a Roman amphitheater that relies on arches to support the sheer verticals.

Today

In 1895 Turkish people from Crete moved to the ruined town and called it Selimiye. Today Side has become a popular vacation destination and experiences a new revival.

It was a favorite spot for watching the solar eclipse of March 29, 2006.

Due to previously being the seat of the Bishopric of Eastern Pamphylia it is still a titular see of the Roman Catholic church.