Trade structures in the Eastern Mediterranean in the context of phaselis main street and agora

This doctoral thesis examines the development of Eastern Mediterranean trade structures within the context of the main street and agoras of Phaselis. From the Bronze Age onward, maritime transport accelerated cultural interactions and economic changes across the Mediterranean; in particular, advancements in ship technology transformed port cities into centers of wealth and power. In this context, Phaselis, with its three natural harbors, stands out as an important trade city due to its strategic geographical location. The study evaluates the political, economic, and social structure of Phaselis throughout its history, from the Archaic period to the Byzantine era, with a focus on its main streets, porticos, agoras, baths, and infrastructure systems. The city's Tetragonal Agora, Domitian Agora, Hadrian's Arch, and central harbor structures are examined in detail; the effects of trade on the city's morphology are explored. Additionally, comparisons are made with the main streets of other cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as Side, Perge, Limyra, Kremne, Termessos, Anabarzos, and Soloi-Pompeipolis. The thesis evaluates the Phaselis excavations and surface surveys conducted from the 19th century to the present; particular emphasis is placed on the excavation and restoration activities carried out between 2012 and 2024. The infrastructure systems revealed during this period, such as sewage systems, rows of shops, and the continuity of the city's commercial function, are highlighted. As a result, Phaselis is considered not only a regional but also a key commercial and cultural hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, with its architectural development examined alongside the guiding force of trade. In this way, the thesis contributes to understanding the relationship between trade and urban planning in ancient port cities.