Discover Behram: Ancient Assos

Behram links the name of a present-day village with ancient Assos: the ancient city lies within the village of Behram (Behramkale), in Ayvacık District. Assos is a port city on a volcanic, rocky hill and its slopes, about 238 metres above the Aegean coast. The natural surroundings of Assos are also largely unspoilt. Those looking for a holiday rental in Behram may therefore wonder whether ancient buildings and culture, or the landscape, will shape their stay most. The historic sites give the destination a clear cultural focus; the surrounding area offers another perspective on Assos.

An ancient city shaped by many eras

A significant section of the fortification walls of Assos, which extend for a total of four kilometres, has survived to this day. The ancient city has an eastern and a western entrance. At the western entrance, a paved path leads through an area classified as a necropolis. Here, an uninterrupted chronological and typological development can be traced from the beginning of the 7th century BC to the end of the Roman period. For travellers interested in history, this represents a remarkable span of time: rather than focusing on a single ancient structure, the site brings together different eras and changes in burial types.

The location of the agora also tells us about the city’s layout. It sits on terraces on the southern slope of the acropolis and was a particularly lively meeting place where people in Assos gathered. Those exploring ancient daily life will find a different perspective here than at the necropolis or the fortification walls: the focus is neither burial culture nor defence, but a shared place of urban life. The ancient city was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2017.

Temples, a theatre and buildings in the village

The Temple of Athena in Assos is considered the first and only known example of Archaic Doric architecture in Anatolia. It is also a fitting place to take in the Gulf of Edremit at sunset. In this way, exploring a distinctive architectural style combines with a memorable experience of the landscape. Those hoping to end the day with a view across the gulf can consider the temple as one of the key points of reference when planning their trip.

The Theatre of Assos was used in Greek and Roman times. It can host various festivals and concerts. Another historical connection can be found in the village of Behramkale: Aristotle is said to have lived there for three years. The Hüdavendigar Mosque was built by Murat I in the 14th century. It has a single nave, or one room, and is covered by a single dome. The Hüdavendigar Bridge, also called Behramkale Bridge, crosses the Tuzla Çayı, is fully intact and remains in use. Together, the temple, theatre, mosque and bridge represent different forms and eras of architectural history.

When choosing accommodation, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: are you mainly interested in the ancient sites, the historic buildings or the landscape? More places to consider when planning your trip: Uğurlu, Çanakkale, Eceabat, Geyikli, Adatepe, Maltepe Köyü, Biga and Hamdibey Bucağı.

Back to the main travel overview: Çanakkale.