Kadyanda Survey | INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION | KADYANDA | THE SURVEY | THE TEAM | SUPPORTERS         

The Kadyanda Survey, initiated in 2024 with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Akdeniz University, the University of Cologne, Fethiye Municipality, and Koç University - Research Center for Mediterranean Civilizations (AKMED), is focused on the study of the ancient city of Kadyanda, located near Yeşilüzümlü in the Fethiye district.

Kadyanda holds a central position in the region, both geographically and historically, as it is the most important ancient settlement in the area surrounding the Gulf of Fethiye and the mountainous regions to its north, east, and west. Unlike neighboring cities such as Araxa, Symbra, and Telmessos, Kadyanda's urban structure remains intact, making it an ideal site for both epigraphic and urban studies. Its isolated location likely contributed to the absence of later construction activities, preserving its ancient urban fabric.

The Kadyanda Survey aims to shed light on the city’s historical phases, from its Lycian roots to its prominence in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and its later development during Byzantine times. The study of inscriptions, archaeological remains, and urban structures will not only enhance understanding of Kadyanda but also contribute to broader knowledge of the region’s ancient history. The findings could potentially reveal Kadyanda's role in the political, economic, and cultural landscape of Lycia and its interactions with neighboring settlements, making it a key site for understanding the ancient history of the region.