The ancient Temple of Athena in Side, Turkey, reopened to tourists following a major restoration project, bringing renewed attention to the historic landmark overlooking the ancient harbor. The reopening ceremony was led by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
In 2023, Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched a focused effort under the Heritage for the Future initiative, allowing for deeper research and partial rebuilding of the Temple of Athena's original form. Professor Dr. Feriştah Alanyalı, who heads the archaeological work in Side, noted that previous restoration efforts had been slow. "In recent years, our work had been somewhat stagnant. Starting from 2022, we primarily completed structural research around the Temple of Athena and carried out partial anastylosis work," she said.
Experts carefully reassembled several of the temple's original columns and structures, re-erecting them by placing original pieces back in their places. "Partial anastylosis was done at the front corner of the Temple of Athena. Thus, since it was not possible to re-erect all the columns, it was aimed to reflect the depth and size of the area to the visiting guests by raising the front side of one temple and the back side of another," Alanyalı explained.
The Temple of Athena, dedicated to the Greek goddess of wisdom, who was considered the chief goddess of the city of Side, was built to honor her as a protector of the city and a symbol of safety for sea trade. The history of the temple dates back 2,000 years. "Athena, as a guarantor of maritime trade, maintained her presence at the harbor throughout antiquity," Alanyalı stated.
Situated near the entrance of Side's ancient harbor, the Temple of Athena stands adjacent to the Temple of Apollo, a remarkable positioning of the two deities' temples. "These were dedicated to Side's most revered deities and served as a major cultural and religious center known beyond the city's borders," said Alanyalı. For years, many visitors to Side's ancient ruins overlooked the Temple of Athena, often mistakenly assuming the area belonged solely to the more prominent Apollo Temple.
Following the successful restoration of the Temple of Athena, efforts have now shifted to the Apollo Temple. "A new restoration project for the Apollo Temple has been prepared and is expected to commence later this year or in 2026," according to reports.
"The Temple of Athena attracts intense interest from local and foreign tourists eager to witness its architectural structure and columns bearing traces of history," said Alanyalı.
Over the centuries, the Temple of Athena saw several changes and periods of neglect, especially as Side's influence declined. Ersoy called the Temple of Athena an important part of the region's heritage. "The restoration of the Temple of Athena gives visitors a clearer view of ancient life and the beliefs that shaped the city," he said.
"We obtained very important data that will illuminate not only the restoration but also the city's construction history," Alanyalı said, recalling that the back corner of the Temple of Apollo was re-erected in previous years.
Historians believe the Temple of Athena was built during the Hellenistic period when Side was a thriving port city. The temple's classical Greek design, with its tall columns and detailed stonework, reflects the architectural style of its time. "With the completion of the restoration at the Temple of Athena, the settlement history of the city and its place in the religious history of the ancient age have been emphasized and made perceivable for visitors," Alanyalı stated.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.