Threatened ancient cities in Lycian region of Turkey face opposition due to planned highway construction
In the picturesque region of southern Turkey, between Demre (Kas) and Kalkan, a contentious highway project is stirring up controversy. The proposed route cuts through an area containing 11 registered archaeological sites and nine conservation zones rich in Lycian history[1].
The project has sparked sharp criticism from archaeologists, environmentalists, and local communities who fear it will cause significant destruction to ancient tombs, water systems, and sacred landscapes, some dating back 2,500 years[1]. The Archaeologists Association has stated that the highway violates Türkiye’s Constitution, which safeguards cultural and natural assets, and national laws prohibiting construction in first-degree archaeological areas except for scientific research[1]. They have called for the project to be halted before irreparable damage occurs.
Legally, the project has faced hurdles. In 2017, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was deemed unnecessary for the Kas-Kalkan section by the Antalya Governorate, but a court later overturned this ruling[1]. A new EIA covering Demre, Kas, and Finike sections was presented in 2021, and after public backlash, the Finike portion was temporarily withdrawn[1]. Despite opposition and lawsuits, authorities have continued pushing the project forward, with the most recent approval from the Antalya Regional Board for Cultural Heritage Preservation issued in August 2023[1].
The controversy centers on balancing infrastructure development with protecting invaluable world heritage sites in the Lycian region, a culturally and historically rich area including ancient city ruins, tombs, and landscapes that are globally significant[1].
The highway corridor includes or passes near several significant ancient sites, including Myra, famous for its rock-cut tombs and ancient water systems; Sura, home to the Temple of Apollo and early Christian structures; and Hoyran, with its necropolis, wells, and monumental tomb facades carved into cliffs[1]. The proposed tunnel beneath Hoyran has been described as a "scientifically indefensible and dramatically harmful decision"[1].
The potential impact on natural habitats, including 1.2 million square meters of farmland, 600,000 square meters of forest, over 430,000 square meters of olive groves, and approximately 66,000 trees, remains unanswered[1]. The Archaeologists Association warns that the project will cause irreparable harm and urges it to be stopped[1].
The Demre Culture and Environment Group is urging public support for preservation efforts, and campaigns continue to attempt to preserve the archaeological heritage threatened by the proposed highway[1]. A court-appointed expert panel conducted a site inspection on July 11, 2025, starting at the ancient water channels of Myra and ending at Hoyran's necropolis and wells[1].
The future of the Lycian heritage in southern Turkey hangs in the balance as the project moves forward, sparking ongoing debate and concern among experts, critics, and local communities.
- The controversial highway project in southern Turkey, between Demre (Kas) and Kalkan, is causing alarm in the realm of science and environmental science, due to the potential damage it could inflict on ancient tombs, water systems, and historical landscapes.
- Policymakers and legislation are under scrutiny as they navigate the delicate balance between infrastructure development and the preservation of world heritage sites, like those in the Lycian region, rich in history and cultural significance.
- The proposed highway route, which passes through 11 registered archaeological sites and nine conservation zones, has been criticized by the Archaeologists Association, who assert it breaches Türkiye’s Constitution and national laws guarding cultural and natural assets.
- In the realm of general news, the ongoing debate over the proposed highway project in Turkey has brought to light the importance of protecting environmental-science and heritage sites, and the potential consequences of disregarding such protection.
- As football takes a back seat in European leagues, including Laliga, the fate of the Lycian region's heritage remains uncertain, with the projected destruction of historical sites and habitats raising concerns among enthusiasts of climate-change and home-and-garden.
- The court-appointed expert panel, during their site inspection on July 11, 2025, emphasized the importance of preserving the ancient water channels of Myra and the necropolis, wells, and monumental tomb facades carved into cliffs at Hoyran as they make recommendations for the project.
- As the project stands, the future of the Lycian heritage not only affects the region's lifestyle but also obliges international organizations like NATO to reassess their policies on environmental preservation, heritage protection, and climate-change mitigation in foreign nations.
