15.04.2026 02:39
The archaeological excavations at the Ancient City of Adada in the Sütçüler district of Isparta reveal the city's uninterrupted settlement pattern spanning 17 centuries and its advanced administrative structure.
Located in the Sütçüler district of Isparta, one of the most strategic settlements of the Pisidia region in ancient times, the Ancient City of Adada sheds light on the history of Anatolia.
BEARING TRACES OF 17 CENTURIES OF UNINTERRUPTED LIFE
Excavations are being carried out in the city, which bears traces of 17 centuries of uninterrupted life, within the scope of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Heritage for the Future Project." Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mörel, a faculty member of the Classical Archaeology Department of the Archaeology Department of Süleyman Demirel University and the Head of Excavations, stated that the city has a continuity of approximately 17 centuries, spanning from the Hellenistic period to the Late Antique period. Mörel emphasized that this makes Adada one of the rare examples in the region.
"A CULTURAL CROSSROADS"
Pointing out Adada's unique position within the ancient transportation networks, Mörel said, "Our city is not located on the main military road Via Sebaste, built during the Roman Empire period, nor is it a branch connecting to this line. Adada is situated on a completely independent route. This strategic route made the city an important center for regional transportation and a cultural crossroads. The intersection of the routes followed by Saint Paul during his travels with this independent road network further highlights the city's value."
WORK GAINED MOMENTUM WITH THE "HERITAGE FOR THE FUTURE PROJECT"
Stating that the "Saint Paul's Road," starting from Antalya and extending to Adada via Sütçüler, is a critical pilgrimage route for faith tourism, Mörel noted that excavations have intensified since 2021.
Mörel stated that the work was included in the "Heritage for the Future Project" as of 2024, saying, "In 2026, our work continues to strengthen with this vision. During this process, we have reached concrete archaeological data regarding architectural structures reflecting the transformation in belief systems and educational areas called 'catechumenate.'"
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE BASED ON COUNCIL DECISION
Explaining that one of the most striking features of Adada is its developed administrative structure, Mörel noted the following: "The findings we have obtained reveal that all public structures in the city were built by council decision, which shows how advanced the understanding of local governance was in its period. With its magnificent and largely standing structures, Adada is of great importance both for the scientific world and for cultural tourism."