Situated on the coast of ancient Cilicia near Selinus, the ancient port city of Iotape—known locally as Aytap—is a coastal settlement bearing traces from the Roman Imperial period. It is located on the Mediterranean coast in the Uğrak beachfront area, along the Gazipaşa road, 33 kilometers east of Alanya in Antalya Province.
According to historical records and traditions, the city derives its name from Iotape, the wife of Antiochus IV, King of Commagene, who lived between 38 and 72 AD. King Antiochus IV founded the settlement around 52 AD and named it in honor of his late sister-wife, Queen Iotapa of Commagene, who reigned from 38 until her death around 52 AD.
King Antiochus IV specifically chose this site because two bays close to each other form a natural harbor, paired with a higher plateau that protects the town from sea invasions. The high peninsula extending toward the sea serves as the acropolis, surrounded by massive walls that give it the appearance of a fortress.
Although much of the city's structures have been heavily damaged, one of the most prominent surviving buildings is the bathhouse, complete with a well-preserved Roman sewer system. In the valley where the acropolis connects to the mainland, the Harbor Street features three-step crepis structures on both sides alongside sculpture bases, bearing inscriptions detailing local athletes and benefactors.
In the bay east of the acropolis lies a rectangular, three-naved basilica. In the ruins of a small single-naved church within the city, traces of frescoes depicting Hagios Georgios Stratelates can still be observed. Additionally, south of the modern Antalya-Mersin highway passing through the center of the ancient site, there are the remains of a temple measuring 8 by 12.5 meters.
Although Iotape was annexed along with the Kingdom of Commagene by Roman Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, the city continued to mint its own coins. From the reign of Trajan until Valerian, the city minted coins featuring an emperor's bust on the front and descriptions of Apollo, Tyche, or Perseus on the reverse.
The necropolis situated on the eastern and northern hills of the city contains monumental tombs alongside small vault-covered tomb structures. Designated as an archaeological site, the slopes of the city face urbanization pressures due to their scenic views.
Today, admission to the Iotape archaeological site is free, and the small cove featuring ancient harbor ruins is a frequent stop for gullets and tourists departing from Alanya, especially during the summer. Visitors can camp, swim in natural caves, and enjoy the beach located to the south of the ancient city.
Wikimedia research dossier · Last checked: 2026-09-12 22:13:55
