Gulf of Gökova’s “Blue Tour” Now Includes a “Culture Tour”
Sedir Island, also known as Cleopatra Island, is home to many harbor remains and is a first-degree archaeological and natural protected area, as well as a Special Environmental Protection Area. Despite its name, there are no cedar trees on the island, instead olive, bush, and pine trees dominate. The island, which is the largest of a triple island group full of ancient ruins, is known for its Cleopatra Beach, where the sand is a rare limestone droplets formation under protection. It is forbidden to take this sand off the beach.
A recent scientific consultancy by Prof. Dr. Adnan Diler challenges foreign archaeologists’ claim that Sedir Island was a Hellenistic Greek city. Diler argues that it was actually a settlement surrounded by walls dating back to the 6th century BC, which follows the tradition of the Hittites water culture. The ruins found on the island highlight its cultural character and identity and show that it should not just be considered a beach.
Although Sedir Island is mostly known for its golden sand and beach, Diler wants to change the perception of the island and make it known as an ancient city. With continued excavation and cleaning, Sedir Island will gradually become more recognized for its ruins and cultural significance.
