Isaura, an ancient city located in Turkey's central Konya province, is home to Zengibar Castle, an impressive site with walls, bastions, a theater, a triumphal arch, and rock tombs. Referred to as the "Ephesus of Konya," this ancient city has the potential to become a prime destination for both local and foreign visitors, once more of its historical treasures are unearthed.
Zengibar Castle, situated in the Taurus Mountains at an altitude of 1,850 meters (6,070 feet), was strategically built between the neighborhoods of Hacılar and Ulupınar in the Bozkır district. The fortress was used by various civilizations such as the Hittites, Persians, and Romans, and is considered one of the most remarkable examples of Roman stonemasonry. Today, one part of the castle's wall and bastions, which once surrounded the ancient city of Isaura, still stands.
Visitors can easily access Isaura from the Hacılar neighborhood via the Konya-Bozkır road. As you enter the ancient city, a 4-meter-high gate topped by an arch welcomes you. The city, once inhabited by 10,000 people during the Roman period, features a pentagonal and hexagonal architectural structure to the south of the castle, with the gate constructed between two towers, one of which is now completely destroyed.
Following the main street after entering through the south gate, you will encounter the triumphal arch and the basilica, the largest building in the city, which was later used as a church. Many of the stones found in the city feature stone rubbings of images such as wreaths, helmets, knee pads, swords, shields, and arrows.
The stones used in the construction of the castle's 3.5-meter-thick fortifications were brought from the stone quarry located at the summit of the mountain. How these large, rectangular stones were cut to millimetric perfection thousands of years ago remains a mystery.
Experts suggest that a wealth of valuable artifacts lie beneath the surface of the ancient city, waiting to be discovered through excavations and restoration work. In an interview, Hüseyin Bardakçı, the headman of the Hacılar neighborhood, stated that despite the destruction Isaura has gone through, most of the castle ramparts and churches have survived until recently. Bardakçı believes that tourists who visit the ancient city want Isaura to be completely unearthed. He further emphasizes the importance of conducting archaeological excavations in the region to uncover its magnificent structures and attract more visitors.
