The history of Afyon dates back to 3000 BC. It was home to Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. The city is famous for its specific “Turkish Delight” and “Kaymak” (a kind of hard cream put on desserts), its “Sucuk” (special spicy sausages), its Opium fields (under strict supervision by the Government), its marble quarries, and for its various thermal baths.
Food you must try in Afyon
Afyon is a spa-center with thermal baths in Gazligol Kaplicasi (25 km northwest), Gecek and Omerli Kaplicalari (15 km and 14 km northwest respectively), Hudai Kaplicasi 68 km southwest of the town, and Heybeli Kaplicasi at 30 km from city center. Sandikli is also famous for its mud baths, too. All these resorts have board and lodging facilities.
Birds eye view of Afyon – Photo by Mahir Uysal
The Archaeological Museum and the War of Independence Memorial are places to visit in the city and to the north of Afyon, there are Phrygian remains in the form of monumental cult rocks. Aslantas and Aslankaya are the largest of these.
The lion relieves, which gave the name to these rocks are seen on sides of the rock and cult temples. This area is known as Phrygian Valley. Afyon Citadel which was built during the Byzantine period previously was used as a fortress by the Hittite King Mursil II, is another monument to see in the city. The citadel was called Karahisar by the Seljuks, meaning Black Castle in Turkish. Ulu (Grand) Mosque and Altigoz bridge are other sites of interest. The town of Dazkiri on the Denizli highway is famous for its carpets and kilims.
Afyon has a small international festival celebrated during the week of August 30th every year since 1998. It’s an activity of concerts, exhibitions and folk dances, performed for 4 days in different locations.
Airport Name: Afyon Airport
Code: AFY
Serves: Afyon
We highly recommend booking international and domestic flights with Turkish Airlines. Visit www.turkishairlines.com for prices and times.
If you wish to travel by bus or car please give the details of your journey so we can recommend a local transfer service. You must allow 3 days for us to make suggestions.
All companies we recommend are licensed by TURSAB. Its is merely a recommendation we do not take any responsibilities for any of the services recommended on this website.
For areas to visit near Afyon visit https://visit-turkey.org/destination/aegean-region/
