Bozukkale (Loryma)

This natural harbor in Bozuk bay, at the south-west end of the Bozburun peninsula, is partly surrounded by mountains and the land is in steppe character, making it difficult to access by road. Transportation to the city is done by sea until Bozukkale port. Then it is necessary to climb for more than an hour to the ancient city of Loryma. Loryma, a small city BC. It was founded in the 7th century. Surrounded by a two-phase fortification dating to the Archaic and Classical periods, there is an acropolis in the upper part of the city, which is also surrounded by a two-phase wall. Three large cisterns on the acropolis and the basic remains of only one building show that this area was used for shelter in times of danger. The narrow and long harbor castle controls the entrance of the bay. Loryma’s residences are located on carefully built terraces on the slope. In the plain to the west of the city is the sanctuary of “Artemis Soteria”. The necropolis area extending south to the west of the bay is located adjacent to the temple. On the plain south of the necropolis is the Apollo sanctuary. In addition, it is known from the inscriptions that there is an altar dedicated to the god of Rhodes, Zeus Atabyrios. This information also shows that the city, which is at a strategic point for the defense of Rhodes, is under the control of Rhodes. In the Byzantine period, three churches and many houses were built on the Loryma acropolis, which was a naval base and an arsenal, using ancient materials. Kent M.S. It was completely abandoned after the Arab invasion in the 7th century.