10 Tombs Discovered in Aigeai: A New Layer for Cultural Tourism in Yumurtalık

Work conducted in the ancient city of Aigeai in Yumurtalık, Adana, has revealed a new archaeological layer related to the city's past. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, rescue excavations carried out by the Adana Museum Directorate have uncovered 10 tombs in the necropolis area dated to the Hellenistic Period.

The excavations are taking place in an approximately 33-acre necropolis. Initial findings suggest that there are around 30 tombs in the area. The team, under the scientific consultancy of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faris Demir from Osmaniye Korkut Ata University’s Department of Archaeology, is working on corridor and stairway rock-cut tombs as well as chest-type tombs.

The significance of the findings does not solely stem from the number of tombs. Excavations have also revealed terracotta sarcophagi, small pottery fragments, and tear bottles believed to be grave gifts. It is planned to exhibit the artifacts at the Adana Museum after restoration. The excavation team is also preparing a project aimed at the preservation of the tombs in the necropolis area.

Hellenistic Necropolis Also Used in the Roman Period

According to the excavation team's assessment, the necropolis dates back to the Hellenistic Period, approximately between 323-31 BC, and the area continued to be used during the Roman Period.

It is noted that the edges of the chest tombs are plastered with lime mortar, and in some examples, the plaster surfaces are decorated with rosette motifs. In the rock tombs, platforms carved into the main rock are found where the deceased was placed.

Research is ongoing regarding the ownership of the tombs. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faris Demir points out the historical connection between the region and Alexander the Great's preparations for the Battle of Issus in 333 BC, suggesting that some tombs may belong to Macedonian soldiers. However, this point is not yet a confirmed archaeological result; it should be considered as a scientific possibility.

StaffMag's source standard also requires that unconfirmed assessments are not presented as verified facts.

Aigeai: A Port History Beneath Today's Yumurtalık

The significance of Aigeai extends beyond the newly discovered necropolis.

According to the records of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Turkey Culture Portal, the city is located in the current center of Yumurtalık district. Aigeai, one of the important port settlements of ancient Cilicia, was known by this name during the Hellenistic period, Aegeae during the Roman period, and Ajazzo and Lajazzo during the Middle Ages, later referred to as Ayas.

The city was one of the important points of the Eastern Mediterranean trade network in the past. Among the visible remains today are the Ayas Port Castle, the Sea Castle, the Suleiman Tower, city walls, bathhouse remains, rock tombs, and various architectural fragments. The Culture Portal directly defines Aigeai within the scope of cultural tourism.

The region's archaeological research history is not new either. The excavation report signed by Faris Demir published under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2017-2018 shows that the studies led by the Adana Museum Directorate have previously focused on Roman villas and urban fabric.

The Adana Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism still lists the Aigeai necropolis excavation among the ongoing official excavations and surface studies.

Findings Alone Do Not Create a Tourism Product

The "monetization" of an archaeological discovery requires a much broader process than the completion of the excavation.

Ensuring the safe preservation of the tombs, creating walking paths that visitors can approach without damaging the area, establishing guidance and information systems, planning for security, shading, and visitor capacity are necessary.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faris Demir, the excavation team has begun developing a project aimed at the preservation of the tombs, with the long-term goal of opening the area to tourism through restoration.

This detail is important. Especially in sensitive areas like necropolises, a balance must be established between rapidly increasing visitor numbers and protecting cultural heritage.

A successful outcome in tourism is not just the short-term curiosity generated by the news of "new tombs found"; it is also about being able to safely visit the area five or ten years later.

Opportunity for Yumurtalık to Transition from Coastal to Cultural Route

Today, Yumurtalık is largely known for coastal tourism and visitor movement during the summer season. In contrast, the district's Aigeai/Ayas history provides the opportunity to integrate ancient ports, castles, towers, old piers, and archaeological sites into the same destination narrative.

The Adana Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism states that Yumurtalık is located approximately 81 kilometers away from Adana city center and that the district was an important port and trade center in the past.

The new necropolis area could become a new stop on this route once the necessary protection and visitor arrangements are completed.

This situation is also noteworthy for small businesses in the region. Cultural visitors may exhibit different consumption behaviors compared to day-trippers coming to the beach. New demand areas may emerge for guiding services, breakfast and lunch, local product sales, small accommodation facilities, and organized cultural tours.

However, for the economic impact to materialize, the service infrastructure surrounding the archaeological area must also develop. From parking to guidance, from clean restrooms to food and beverage services, the fundamental components of the visitor experience directly affect the evaluation of the destination.

It Is Possible to Combine Sea, Gastronomy, and Archaeology in Adana

Gastronomy holds a strong position in Adana's tourism narrative. Cultural heritage sites like Aigeai along the coast create the potential to carry this gastronomic demand beyond the city center.

For example, a visit starting in central Adana could be combined with the ancient city in Yumurtalık, Ayas Castle, and coastal experiences. Such a route could increase the time visitors spend in the destination and their spending in local businesses.

What is important here is to plan the archaeological area not as an independent "attraction" but as part of a broader destination economy.

Stafflink's View

In our opinion, the true value of the 10 tombs uncovered in Aigeai from a tourism perspective is not merely creating a new visitor record.

A more significant opportunity is for Yumurtalık to diversify its tourism product.

One of the common problems of coastal destinations is that demand is concentrated in a few summer months. Archaeology and cultural routes can also create reasons for visits during the cooler spring and autumn periods. This situation can contribute to extending the season in terms of accommodation, food and beverage, guiding, and local commerce.

However, trying to increase visitor traffic before the preservation work is completed could have adverse effects. The priority should be not to quickly market the archaeological area but to transform it into a well-managed visitor experience that can be permanently preserved.

When considering Aigeai's existing port history, coastal location, and new necropolis findings together, there is a strong foundation for Yumurtalık to become more visible in terms of cultural tourism.