Beypazari and its surrounding archaeology

In light of the data obtained from excavations carried out during the early years of the Republic, the origins of the archaeological culture in Beypazarı and its surroundings can be traced back to the Early Bronze Age. Due to its location, the region developed a cultural structure situated at the intersection of the Hittite and Luwian civilizations. In this geography, one can clearly observe the traces of Phrygian, Lydian, Hellenistic, Galatian, Roman, and Byzantine rule. Numerous archaeological finds from these periods—including architectural fragments, tumuli, and mound structures—have endured to the present day. Among the most notable are rock-cut structures, fortresses, necropolises, church buildings, and architectural elements. The concentration of archaeological sites in Beypazarı is located primarily in the areas surrounding the Kirmir Stream, which flows through the Kirmir Valley, a tributary of the Sakarya River. Along this valley, the historic Pilgrims' Road (Haç Yolu), which follows the course of the water, connects the settlements between Juliapolis (Gülseliler) and Sykeon (Tahirler), contributing significantly to the development of the region's archaeological culture. Furthermore, beyond this valley, the route reaching Ankara via the Lagania/Anastasiapolis (Dikmen) pass also represents a continuation of Beypazarı's archaeological culture. In addition, the mountainous areas forming the northwestern and northeastern parts of Beypazarı, while not as dense in settlement remains as the Kirmir Valley, also possess a cultural heritage dating back to the Bronze Age. Excavations conducted especially in and around Hırkatepe corroborate this claim.