The ancient city of Cadianda is located in Southwestern Anatolia, in the northeastern part of the ancient region of Lycia, within the boundaries of Üzümlü Neighborhood in today’s Fethiye district of Muğla province. Situated approximately 900 meters above sea level on the slope of a steep mountain, the city holds a strategic settlement character in terms of both defense and observation due to its topographic position. The city showed significant development especially during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Architectural arrangements in harmony with the natural environment constitute an important example in terms of Cadianda’s urbanization dynamics.

^{Cadianda - Fethiye Kaymakamlığı}

History

The name of the city appears in Lycian inscriptions as “Xadawãndã” and was adapted into Greek as “Cadianda.” Archaeological and epigraphic findings indicate that Cadianda was inhabited from the 5th century BCE onward. Early ceramic fragments uncovered during surface surveys suggest that the settlement may date back even further.

The historical development of Cadianda is characterized by an intensive urbanization process, particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Public structures such as the agora, theater, council building, and stadium built in the Hellenistic period indicate that the city fulfilled its social, political, and athletic functions at an institutional level during this time. In the Roman period, some of these structures were renovated, and new bathhouses and water systems were constructed. During this process, Cadianda's architectural structure became monumental, and the city was integrated into the imperial system, similar to other Lycian cities in the region.

In the Byzantine period, religious buildings came to the forefront. The presence of basilica-type structures suggests that Christianity became institutionalized in the region and that Cadianda, although not a bishopric center, was part of a local religious organization in this new era. During this time, the city's function partially changed, public spaces were converted into religious centers, and defensive priorities increased.

From Late Antiquity onward, Cadianda gradually began to lose its importance and was abandoned after the medieval period. The architectural remains visible today bear the physical traces of this long historical process, simultaneously presenting the local identity documented by Lycian inscriptions and the layered urbanization belonging to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Surface surveys not only reveal the historical continuity of the city but also contribute to understanding its relationship with other Lycian settlements in the region.

Urban Texture and Architectural Structures

Cadianda has a terraced settlement plan adapted to the steep slope. At the center of the city are the agora, council building (bouleuterion), theater, athletic area (stadium), bath structures, necropolis zones, and various temples. The buildings are generally constructed with well-cut stones and reflect architectural features of the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Theater

The theater, with a seating capacity of approximately 2,000, was built leaning against the slope. The seating rows (cavea) are well preserved to this day. Although the stage building (scaena) is largely destroyed, the overall layout of the theater can still be followed.

Agora and Bouleuterion

The agora located at the city center was the focal point of trade and social life. The adjacent bouleuterion is considered a structure where the administrative functions of the city were carried out. Both structures are regarded as part of a multi-layered urban organization.

Stadium

One of the notable structures of Cadianda is the stadium, which is 180 meters long and was built parallel to the slope. The spectator seating is carved directly into the rock. The presence of the stadium shows that athletic activities were institutionally organized in the city.

Baths and Water Structures

The bathhouse dated to the Roman period reflects the classical Roman bath architecture with its tepidarium, caldarium, and frigidarium sections. The city also contains remains of cisterns and aqueducts. These structures offer clues about how sustainable life was organized in a highland geography with limited water resources.

Necropolis and Tomb Types

In the necropolis areas surrounding the city, there are Lycian-type sarcophagi, rock-cut tombs, and vaulted tomb structures. The tomb architecture reflects a synthesis of Lycian tradition and Roman influence. In some tombs, inscriptions and relief decorations are particularly notable.

State of Preservation and Archaeological Activities

Many structures in Cadianda have been revealed through surface surveys and cleaning work. However, a comprehensive excavation project has not yet been carried out. While the natural topography and vegetation of the city partially protect the structures, damage is observed in some areas. Apart from the limited-scale preservation efforts carried out by local authorities and relevant institutions, archaeological documentation and planning studies are mainly at the level of surface research.