March 27: Istanbul to Antalya
Aspendos theater
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The theater which was built in the 2nd century AD was periodically repaired by the Seljuks who used it as a caravansaray. It is one of the best preserved theaters to be found today. Allowing 0.50 m. per seat, the theater holds 7000 spectators, with an additional 500 in the orchestra. Today it is used for concerts, festivals and grease wrestling events.
Aspendos was built by the famous Aspendosian architect Zenon, in Marcus Aurelius’ time. In order to keep with Hellenistic traditions, a small part of the theater was built so that it leaned against the hill where the Citadel (Acropolis) stood, while almost all other parts were built on vaulted arches. The high stage served to seemingly isolate the audience from the rest of the world. The very top section of this stage has been repaired and the acoustics were ameliorated with later additions.