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PEPOUZA
GEOGRAPHY
The town of Pepouza is located in the neighbourhoods of Ulas which is dependant on the village of Karayakuplu 16 km away from the center of the town of Karahalli. It lies to the west of the bridge of Cilandras. The town was built in 165 A.C. Around 560 A.C. it was destroyed by the Romans. More than 6000 persons lived in this town which spreads over 12 ha. of land.
HISTORY
Pepouza is the centre of montanism. Near this town there is the town of Tymion. In 1999 the village people of Susuzören discovered a tablet with a roman text written on it. This tablet is now in the archaeological museum of Usak . On this tablet the roman Emperor Septums Severus gives orders to the people of the town of Tymion who complained about the payment of high taxes: “you are obliged to pay your taxes, they are not heavy.” On the basis of this text found the American and German archaeologists were able to research in this region since they knew that the towns of Tymion and Pepouza located close to each other. While digging, they discovered the town of Pepouza. They established a topographical map of the town. The town, built in 165 A.C. was destroyed in 560 A.C. by order of the Roman Emperor Justinian 517-565 thus putting an end to montanism.
MONTANISM
Montanism was born in the region of Phrygia around 165 A.C. The founder is the monk Montanus who was accompanied by the sisters Precila and Maximilia. This religion is part of early Christianity. It was influenced by the cult of the deity Cybele who belongs to the Phrygian civilisation where women played an important role. It was the only religion that granted a seat to women priests in the counsel of priests. Their role in church and society was equal to that of men. This religion is based on the principle of laity. The Council of Church didn’t accept montanism as a religion. Montanism found some adepts and spread as far as Constantinople and Rome. Nevertheless the Church forbade religious practice. The books of this religion were burnt, the adepts punished by death or ceased to practice their belief. The roman Emperor Justinian 517-565 sent his army from Ephesus to destroy the town of Pepouza and killed women and men adepts. Today none are left but this religion has its place in history.
Great canyon and river Banaz:
The river Banaz comes out of the mountain of Murat and flows 14 km north of Karahalli. This river crosses the region of Banaz – Sivasli – Karahalli – Ulubey. Its direction is north-south and it joins with the river Büyük Menderes at Mildi – Medale near the town of Güney – Denizli, further down there is the dam of Adı güzel where Banaz Cay flows into this dam. The large river Büyük Menderes crosses the Aegean region and flows into the Aegean Sea near the antique city of Didim. The length of the canyon is 75 km and the river Banaz Cay goes through this canyon.
Cilandras Bridge: description
This bridge is a masterpiece of architecture. It enables to cross the canyon which is 75 km long. The bridge was built on the straightest point of the canyon. Cilandras Bridge was built by King Gyges (670-657 B.C.) and it is integrated in the Road of Kings. It is 1.75 m. wide, 24 m. long and 17 m high. A second bridge can be found at 1.5 km distance of Cilandras Bridge. It is located at the end of the straightest part of the canyon. The two posts of the bridge are on the flancs of the canyon and the main foundation is located in the middle of the canyon. It was probably destroyed either by floods, or by earthquakes or by Roman people. The stones used for construction are lying dispersed in the canyon, however the remains of the foundation have resisted time. Cilandras Bridge: importance of the canyon in historyOn a length of 2 km where the straightest part of the canyon can be found one gets the impression of being confronted with a fortress with a very difficult access: it is straight and high there. Since Lycian time this place was a refuge. All along the canyon people have dug in the rocks and built a path just wide enough for one person at a time. Half of the path can be used on foot. Christians and the adepts of Montanism found here a refuge and defended their existence by positioning their own soldiers at the two entrances of the canyon. All along the canyon tombs were dug in the rocks and there are ruins left as well as the Road of Kings. The canyon measures only 25-50 m. in width and it impresses by its height. It is partially reached by sunshine. Through this phenomenon plants and trees in different shades of green are reflected in the water. The colours are mysteriously beautiful in their green and turquoise tones. The depth of the river varies between 30 cm and 2 m. At certain points there are fairly strong currents. The river houses fresh fish wich can be fished. Different kinds of birds and butterflies live in the canyon. Some places are inviting for a picnic and the water is very clear for swimming. After that the canyon becomes wider. This is the place where the ruins and the town of Pepouza can be found. In this wider area there are vineyards and fruit trees (apple, peaches, apricots, etc.). This area is full of natural beauty and of historical importance.
SEBASTE – SIVASLI
It is a Phrygian town located 32 km away from Karahalli. This town was built, restored and inhabited by “Roman” and “Byzantine” Lycians. Close by there are 2 tumulus from Antiquity. After archaeological digging, 2 roman churches were discovered. In the neighbourhood there is the village of Selçikler, which is a typical Anatolian village with beautiful old houses. This place is worth visiting for its traditions.
BLAUNDOS – ULUBEY
This place is 43 km away from Karahalli. It was built on a peninsula surrounded by canyons and a river at the south-east of the village of Sülümenli. The town was built in the Hellenistic Period. The Macedonians had their own money printed. The inhabitants who originated from Macedonia were called the “Blaundos of Macedonia”. The fortress is surrounded by 2 walls. The entrance of the fortress is composed of 2 square towers, the arch is near the entrance of the fortress. In the interior of the town there are ruins left of administrative buildings, temples and a theatre in the canyon. From a far distance you can recognize several caves which were inhabited on the side of the canyon. HASKOY ASARI Tombs and frescoes: Tombs can be found on the cliffs. Some deteriorated frescoes show us scenes representing apostels and angels. Christians who were chased by the Romans lived and prayed here.
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