Ayaş: Discover Ancient City History and the Coast

Ayaş offers travellers two distinct reasons to explore: the ancient city of Elaiussa Sebaste and the public Yemişkumu Halk Plajı on the coast. Those interested in historic structures will find many different points of interest at Elaiussa Sebaste; the beach adds its own coastal focus to the destination.

Elaiussa Sebaste: City History in Many Facets

Elaiussa Sebaste was founded at the end of the 2nd century BC and was an important trading, production and port city until the beginning of the 7th century AD. This long span of time makes the city’s history interesting for anyone who wants to explore not just a single structure, but different aspects of an ancient place. Trade, production and its role as a port offer different ways to approach the history of Elaiussa Sebaste.

The city’s structures include a well-preserved five-aisled basilica. There is also the Temple of Jupiter, with a floor mosaic decorated with various depictions of animals. The Temple of Jupiter is described as a Roman temple with 612 columns; in the 5th century, during the Early Christian period, it was converted into a church. The mosaic, the description of the temple and its later use as a church thus sit side by side at this site. This change of use offers a distinct way to explore the history of the place.

The archaeological site of Elaiussa Sebaste within Ayaş also includes an ancient theatre and a necropolis. Bathhouses and production areas are among the city’s remains as well. Together, they broaden the picture beyond religious buildings: theatres, tombs, baths and production facilities represent different aspects of a city. Visitors exploring Elaiussa Sebaste can therefore consider the site by theme, rather than reducing its history to a single monument.

Another topic is the water supply system from Elaiussa Sebaste to Korykos. It was probably built in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, repaired several times and later extended as far as Korykos. This brings into view not only individual structures, but also infrastructure that was modified over a long period. A comparison with the Temple of Jupiter makes two different developments tangible: the later conversion of a temple into a church, and the repairs and extension of a water supply system.

Other Historical Highlights in and Around Ayaş

Paşa Türbesi is a Seljuk structure in Ayaş, on the road between Ayaş and Korykos. It adds a different architectural and cultural tradition to the ancient remains. When planning a trip with an interest in historic architecture, visitors can consider another structure in Ayaş alongside Elaiussa Sebaste, without equating the two sites or their histories.

The ancient site of Çatıören is nearby. It was used in the Hellenistic period as a temple, settlement and necropolis area, and includes a Temple of Hermes. This offers a specific point of comparison with Elaiussa Sebaste: while the focus there is the history of an important trading, production and port city, Çatıören combines a temple, a settlement area and a necropolis. The two sites thus offer different historical perspectives.

Yemişkumu and Choosing a Holiday Apartment

A municipal notice dated 10 June 2025 describes Yemişkumu Halk Plajı as a public beach on the coast of Ayaş and names Denizkızı Turizm A.Ş. as the operator responsible for it. Responsibilities may change. For Ayaş Yemişkumu Halk Plajı, a municipal announcement dated 29 June 2023 mentioned an accessible ramp and an accessible walkway. Check the condition of both facilities locally before your trip.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ayaş, you can first consider how much of your trip you want to devote to ancient city history and beach time. This helps you choose a location based on your own itinerary—whether archaeological sites, the public beach or both are your main focus.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ayaştürkmenli, Güzeloluk, Tekeli Belediyesi, Limonlu, Narince Köyü, Bozyazı, Çivi, Kargicak.

For the broader travel overview: Mersin.