If you already have a turkey e visa, do you want to take a walk through the first millennium BCE? Maybe you’d like to ride a horse or a bike there anyway?

One of Turkey’s newest hidden tourist gems is the Phrygian Valley. Provisionally included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Phrygian Valley awaits exploration with its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere.

The valley, which today spans the borders of the provinces of Eskişehir, Kütahya, and Afyon, is home to historical ruins and antiquated objects that have Phrygian culture imprints on them. The Phrygians were a group of people who migrated to Anatolia from the Balkans. Thrace is where they initially made their historical appearance during the 12th century BCE. Since they began this movement, they have served as the inspiration for numerous myths.

Gordias, the first king of the Phrygians, was an impoverished farmer from Macedonia. Their capital city, Gordion, was located close to Ankara. This name might bring to mind the legendary Gordian Knot. The Gordian knot, which gave rise to the Alexander the Great legend, was tied by the Phrygian king Gordias before being cut in half by Alexander’s sword.

However, the Phrygian king with a more enviable reputation was his son Midas. King Midas and his ears are one of the stories originating in Anatolian areas. The myth states that Pan, the deity of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, competes with Apollo, the god of music, the arts, the sun, and poetry.

Pan has his flute; Apollo has his silver. Midas is also a judge. Everyone finds Apollo’s lyre’s sound to be fascinating. All judges choose Apollo as the winner, but when Midas votes for Pan, Apollo turns Midas’ ears into donkey ears.

But in mythology, King Midas is best known for his tendency to turn everything he touched into gold. He must have prayed for this. But according to tradition, Midas’ “vain request” for the gold touch caused him to starve to death when he received his wish. This earned the moniker “the Midas touch” over time.

Let’s go to the valley. The area was covered in volcanic ashes that Mt. Türkmen had thrown up. The consolidated tuff created simple rocks to cut, allowing the Phrygians to leave behind several carved rock monuments.

The Phrygian Valley is now a vast natural park spanning seven provinces and many counties. It covers an area of 55 hectares in total.

The valley’s most appealing feature is that because it is still mostly explored, it gives tourists a chance to experience both awe-inspiring history and time alone with nature. Numerous people predict that the thriving Phrygian Valley will replace Cappadocia.

Rock tomb chambers from the Roman and Byzantine eras and churches and rock villages from the Byzantine era may all be found in the valley’s town of Ayazini. All of these structures were carved. The breathtaking Avdalaz Castle carved out of volcanic rock mass, is a huge attraction.

It is essential to stay here for at least two days. Gerdekkaya, Pişmiş Castle, Yazilikaya, Kirkgöz Cliffs, Cisterns, Aslankaya, Üçlerkayasi, Ayazini Church, and Lion Temple are a few locations you might want to see.

The valley has unique options for those who enjoy the outdoors, sports, and adventure. The camp in the Phrygian Valley offers overnight horse rides. Trails for cycling and trekking traverse the Phrygians’ historic highways.

One of Turkey’s longest hiking routes, the Phrygian Way, is similar to the Lycian Way. The trail’s three main routes make up its 506 km overall length. Red and white paint outlines the entire route, making it easier to navigate. Additionally, signposts inform walkers of critical crossroads at the beginning and end of the way.

Gordion, Pessinus, and Midas are the names of these beautiful old roadways that once connected the Phrygian villages. The depth of the trail might occasionally reach 2-3 metres due to the area’s tuff rock structure.

Although spring and autumn are the finest times to go, the area has several attractions all year round. There are numerous springs along the trail where you can get water all year round.

Would you like us to apply for a turkey visa online for the realm of King Midas: Türkiye’s Phrygian Valley? We want you to have a great time in Turkey and make sure your trip is memorable.

The journey has begun!