The Ancient City of Vasada is situated at the foot of Mount Kestel, approximately 500 meters east of Bostandere Neighborhood in the Seydişehir district of Konya Province. Geographically located within the ancient region of Pisidia, this settlement lies about 15 kilometers from the ancient city of Amblada. Its strategic position provided natural defensive advantages, making it a favorable site for settlement in antiquity.

Historical Background

According to ancient sources, Vasada existed as a city during the reign of the Attalids. In the past, different scholars offered varying opinions about its location: Cramer associated it with Misthia, while Ptolemy placed it within the region of Lykonion. However, in 1902, Jüthner and his team conclusively identified the city as corresponding to modern-day Bostandere.

Although settlement in Vasada began in the Hellenistic period, the Roman Imperial Period left the most substantial archaeological imprint. Traces from the Hellenistic era are relatively limited, whereas numerous architectural and material remains dating to the Roman period have been documented.

Architectural Structures and Archaeological Findings

Archaeological investigations in the Ancient City of Vasada have revealed various structural remains and architectural fragments. Especially notable are the remains of fortification walls built with cyclopean masonry located on the northern and eastern sides of the city. These walls, composed of large, irregular polygonal stone blocks fitted closely together, represent a significant example of ancient defensive architecture.

^{(Ancient Theater of Vasada - T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı, Türkiye Turizm Tanıtım ve Geliştirme Ajansı)}

The most remarkable structure in the city is the Vasada Ancient Theater. Discovered by chance in 1969 during the construction of a water reservoir, the theater has a capacity of approximately 3,000 spectators and is dated to the Roman period. Excavations carried out in the theater revealed that the seating rows (12 cavea), orchestra, and stage section are largely preserved. The building features a single diazoma (horizontal passage) and reflects the architectural standards and performance practices of Roman theater traditions.

In addition, various cultural artifacts have been found around the city, including reused architectural materials, grave stelae, reliefs depicting Apollo and Artemis, a figure of a woman wearing a polos (ritual headdress), and altar fragments with snake motifs. These architectural and epigraphic elements were further documented during surface surveys conducted in 2006 and 2009.

The Ancient City of Vasada possessed a well-developed urban structure during the Roman period within the Pisidia region. With its theater, fortification systems, and religious symbols, the city presents a rich archaeological potential. Its occupation across different historical periods highlights its strategic and cultural significance. Today, excavations and conservation efforts led by the Konya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism aim to bring Vasada’s silent heritage back into visibility.