Afyonkarahisar

Let's Explore Afyonkarahisar: The City of Thermal Springs and Spas
Afyonkarahisar is renowned as the city of thermal springs and spas. While staying at Oruçoğlu Thermal Hotel and indulging in the pleasures of thermal waters, what else can you do, see, and visit in Afyon?

Every city has its own color. To describe Afyonkarahisar, even all the colors of the rainbow seem inadequate. History, natural resources, scenic beauty, underground and surface wealth, folklore, cuisine, and unique flavors immediately catch the eye. In a single word, Afyon is an unparalleled palette of colors where everyone from all walks of life can find their place.

The name “Afyon” in Afyonkarahisar originates from the Latin word “opium,” used for the essence of the poppy plant in medicine, which over time transformed in spelling and pronunciation to become “afyon.” The term evolved through “afium,” “afiom,” “afion,” eventually becoming “afyon.”

Historical Highlights

Karahisar Castle: Approximately 3,350 years old, this castle is located to the south of the city atop a trachyte rock formation 226 meters above sea level. Built by the Hittite King 2. Mursili during the Arzawa Campaign in 1344 BC as a refuge for his soldiers, it was known as Hapanova Castle (High Hill City). Historical sources first mention the name Afyon in the 1st century BC in Strabo’s 17-volume work “Geographika.” Strabo, calling Afyon the most important trade center after Ephesus, praised its flawless white marble, indicating these marbles were considered a luxury by the Romans.

The Phrygians, one of the most skilled civilizations in the world, ruled these lands for 500 years and gifted countless riches to world civilization. The legendary King Midas of Phrygia, who turned everything he touched into gold, oversaw the first music competition between the god Apollo and the shepherd Pan in these lands.

Monuments carved from rock during the Phrygian period—such as Aslankaya, Kapıkayalar, Göynüş Valley, Aslantaş, Yılantaş, Maltaş, and Kumcaboğaz—featuring lion or kilim patterns, still survive exclusively within Afyon’s borders.

Founded as a village at the foot of Hapanova Castle during the Phrygian era, the earliest known classical name of the city was Akronio. In Roman times, this name appeared as Akronium on coins, Latin inscriptions, and other sources. The name evolved among the people and later during the Byzantine era from Akrones/Akroenos.

After the Battle of Manzikert, by the order of Sultan I. Mesut, the Turks of Karaşar settled at the foot of Akronium Castle, and the castle was later named Karahisar. Due to the title “Sahip” held by Seljuk Vizier Sahib Ata Fahreddin Ali, the region became known as Karahisar-ı Sahip, meaning “the fortress of the vizier.” Ottoman archives also refer to the province as Karahisar-ı Sahip, likely the period when the name Afyonkarahisar was used locally. From the early years of the Republic, the city has been known as Afyonkarahisar, a name even used 34 times by Atatürk in his Nutuk.

Geographical and Historical Significance

Thanks to its strategic geographical location, Afyonkarahisar has long been a crossroads and junction. Its position meant the Hittites had to pass through here on their Arzawa campaign, the Phrygians settled this region, it became a central hub (“Apemeia”) for the Persians, Alexander the Great’s army fought here and subsequently divided Anatolia, and major trade routes intersected here under Roman rule. The Byzantines used the area as a military base. For Arabs and later Turks, Afyonkarahisar represented a strategic site to capture first when taking over Anatolia. The famous Battle of Myraclea occurred here during the Turks’ settlement of Anatolia, followed by the Seljuks establishing a base, the Ottomans attacking the Karamanids here to unite Anatolia under the Ottoman flag, and Greeks establishing bases here in their attempts to recapture Anatolia. During the Turkish War of Independence, the great Great Offensive was directed by Atatürk in Kocatepe on these lands.

Due to its location and resources, Afyon has hosted many civilizations over the ages. Within its borders, 16 independent city-states minted their own coins to assert sovereignty. Notable among them were cities known as Apemeia (Dinar), Synnada (Şuhut), Docimeon (İscehisar), Amorium (Hisarköy), and the Pentapolis (Five Cities region – Sandıklı area).

Other Ancient Settlements in Afyon

Afyonkarahisar, a city that has interacted with various civilizations throughout history, is home to many important ancient ruins that attract curious visitors today:

Beudus Vetus (Palaeobeudus), Bolvadin
Julia (İpsos), Bolvadin
Bruzus, Sandıklı
Eucarpeia, Sandıklı
Hieropolis, Sandıklı
Stectorium, Sandıklı
Otrus, Hocalar
Diocleia, Hocalar
Sibiduna, Şuhut
Ococlia, Şuhut
Lysias, Şuhut
Metropolis, Dinar
Cidyessus, Sincanlı
Sanaus, Dazkırı
Prymnessus, Sülün Village

During the Ottoman period, regions like Sultandağı, Çay, Bolvadin, Sandıklı, Şuhut, and especially Afyonkarahisar with its 3,000-year-old castle, were highly valued. Castles were repaired or rebuilt and monumental structures such as mosques, madrasas, inns, caravansaries, mausoleums, and waterworks were constructed. Notable examples include the 40 wooden column Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), Stone Complex (Taş Külliyesi), Sahipata Caravanserai, and Ebheri and Kureyş Tombs.

Historic Sites to Visit in Afyonkarahisar

Ulu Camii (Great Mosque)
Mısri Camii (Egyptian Mosque)
Afyon İmaret Camii
Afyon Ot Pazarı Camii
Ayazini Rock Church
Eğerli Rock Church
Afyon Caravanserais: İshaklı (Sahipata) Caravanserai, Döğer Caravanserai, Çay Caravanserai, and Eğret Caravanserai

War Memorials

Afyon witnessed the final battles of the Turkish War of Independence, delivering decisive blows for the country's liberation. According to poet Mehmet Akif, martyrs emerge from every corner of this land.

Kocatepe Monument
Great Offensive Martyrs' Cemetery and Commander Mustafa Kemal Monument
Victory (UTKU) Monument
Afyonkarahisar Air Martyrs' Cemetery
Giresunlular Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery
Şuhut Martyrs' Cemetery
Yıldırım Kemal Martyrs' Cemetery
Çiğiltepe Martyrs' Cemetery
Captain Agah Efendi (Kurtkaya) Martyrs' Cemetery

Museums

Afyon Archaeology Museum
Sultan Divani Mevlevihanesi Museum
Afyon Victory Museum
Bolvadin Municipality Museum

The Health Miracle of Afyon Thermal Hotel

When one thinks of “thermal” in Turkey, Afyonkarahisar immediately comes to mind. With its five-star hotels, renovated facilities, mud baths, physical therapy, and rehabilitation centers, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking healing. As one of the first cities associated with “spa and health tourism,” Afyonkarahisar attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists each year with its immense potential.

Our thermal waters offer therapeutic possibilities that positively impact human health. They provide highly restorative, purifying, and curative effects both physically and mentally. Our spas, with a 5,000-year history, distribute healing while offering a peaceful holiday, treating ailments like skin diseases, lung and liver disorders, rheumatism, among others.

Turkish Baths (Hamams) hold a significant place in Turkish culture—so much so that they are considered one of our most recognized cultural heritages abroad.
From Roman times onward, baths became an integral part of Turkish culture, especially with the advent of Islam, which emphasizes cleanliness. For Turkish people, going to the hamam is almost a ritual. Numerous reasons have historically been cited to visit a hamam—such as bridal ceremonies, celebrations, company outings, or even to meet potential brides at the bathhouse. In the past, those visiting a hamam for washing would do so in a festive atmosphere. They would go prepared with towels, brushes, henna, kohl, a bar of Cretan soap, mother-of-pearl combs, and accompanied by servants. This ceremonial preparation could extend a visit from a few hours to nearly a whole day. Food and drinks to accompany the hamam experience were also never neglected.

Afyonkarahisar continues to preserve our cultural heritage with its Turkish baths nourished by thermal waters and adorned with unique marbles.

In our baths, enriched by thermal waters, you can enjoy the pleasures of a pot massage, foam massage, or resting on a hamam stone as much as you like. Additionally, services like swimming pool, sauna, steam room, thermal pool, mud bath, private family baths, massage, skin care, and body care are at your disposal to add health, peace, and fun to your holiday.

The most important treasure of Afyon, past and present, remains its healing waters that emerge from the magma layer. These thermal cures, featured in mythology and legend for thousands of years, have made Afyon a world-renowned attraction today. Recognized and recommended by modern medicine for a variety of ailments—from internal disorders to skin diseases, joint problems to nervous disorders—the thermal therapies of Afyon attract visitors from all over the world, making it a sanctuary of healing for everyone.

Those coming to Afyon to benefit from the blessings of thermal therapy not only leave healthier but also enriched by the city’s history, natural beauty, and unique cuisine.

Afyonkarahisar’s Thermal Facilities are spread across five regions: the central area (Gecek and Ömer), and from surrounding districts—Sandıklı (Hüdai), Ihsaniye (Gazlıgöl), and Bolvadin (Heybeli).

Don't Postpone Your Vacation! Enjoy the pleasures of thermal waters in Afyon at the Secure Tourism Certified Oruçoğlu Thermal Hotel.