Rare Plants in Antalya's Ancient Cities: A Visitor's Guide
Ancient Cities in Antalya Showcase Rare Endemic Plants to Visitors
ANTALYA — A pioneering project in Antalya is transforming the visitor experience at five of the region's most iconic ancient cities, merging cultural heritage with natural conservation. The initiative highlights and protects rare plant species that grow exclusively within the ruins, framing these archaeological sites as vital living ecosystems.
Where History and Biodiversity Intersect
Led by the local biodiversity conservation association ANTOK, the project involved extensive fieldwork to identify, map, and place under protection several endemic plant species. Each ancient city hosts its own unique botanical treasure, now formally recognized and promoted:
- Termessos Crocus (Crocus wattiorum) – Found only in the mountainous ruins of Termessos.
- Side Broomrape (Orobanche sideana) – A rare parasitic plant unique to the ancient city of Side.
- Perge Mercury Plant (Mercurialis pergeri) – Endemic to the sprawling ruins of Perge.
- Aspendos Taurus Orchid (Orchis taurica var. aspendiosa) – A distinctive orchid thriving near the famous Aspendos Theatre.
- Phaselis Vetch (Vicia pisiformis var. phaselitana) – Exclusive to the ancient port city of Phaselis.
"This initiative has fundamentally shifted the perception that ancient cities are merely open-air museums. We are demonstrating that they are complex, living habitats. Even archaeological excavation teams have begun adjusting their methodologies to avoid harming these rare species," said Pınar Kınıklı, project officer and flora monitoring specialist.
Interactive Guides and Cross-Border Collaboration
To engage visitors, the project has produced an informative guide and installed smart QR-coded information boards at each site's entrance. Scanning the code allows visitors to download a mobile application for an interactive, seasonal exploration of the area's flora.
Project Scope: Supported by European Union funding, this is a cross-border endeavor. It includes the five ancient cities in Antalya alongside four partner archaeological sites in Greece, promoting a unified approach to cultural and natural heritage conservation in the Mediterranean.
Visitor Note: When visiting, please stay on marked paths. The protected zones for these plants are often fragile and can be easily damaged by foot traffic.
The project stands as a model for integrating tourism, archaeology, and ecology, ensuring that the natural heritage intertwined with human history is preserved for future generations.
