Restoration of ancient grandeur: Assos Theater
The restoration project for the 2,200-year-old theater in the ancient city of Assos, located in western Turkey, is nearing completion. This historic theater, one of Anatolia’s best-preserved Hellenistic theaters, is set to begin its new life in 2025.
Built in the late 4th century BCE and modified during the Roman period, the theater originally seated about 5,000 spectators. Uniquely located on a volcanic hillside, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Lesbos Island, enhancing the experience for visitors and audiences.
The restoration project is supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and sponsored by İÇDAŞ. Archaeological excavations are ongoing as part of the "Heritage for the Future" initiative. Professor Nurettin Arslan, head of the excavations from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, emphasizes the theater’s importance as a social and cultural hub that will complement the ancient city’s significance as a historical site linked to figures like Aristotle.
Assos, a center of learning, has been a home to many civilizations over the centuries. It is worth noting that Aristotle founded a school of philosophy here, where he conducted important research in zoology, biology, and botany.
The restored Assos theater will not only preserve its ancient heritage but also serve as a modern cultural venue, hosting concerts and performances during summer months. With its horseshoe-shaped layout and stunning location, it may become one of the most important cultural destinations in Çanakkale and across the country.
The theater in Assos features a two-story stage building made of andesite stone, with only half-columns in front of it made of marble. Some seats were reserved for local trade guilds such as stonemasons, blacksmiths, and tanners. Due to gladiator and animal combats held during the Roman era, railings were added to the lower seating areas to protect spectators.
Excavations at the site of Assos have been ongoing since 1980. The theater is located south of the agora within the ancient city of Assos. The Temple of Athena, located within the site, is considered one of the oldest Doric-style temples in Anatolia, built during the Archaic Period.
Some missing parts of the Assos theater were restored during conservation work carried out in the 1990s. One of the upper rows in the theater was designated for worshippers of Serapis, the Egyptian deity. The restored Assos theater will become a significant venue for sustainable social events.
Assos is located within the borders of Behramkale village in Ayvacık district of Çanakkale. This restoration project not only preserves a piece of Turkey’s rich history but also revives its role as a cultural venue, making it a significant cultural destination in the region.
The restoration project in Assos will transform the ancient theater into a modern cultural hub, hosting events such as concerts and performances, thereby reviving its role as a social and cultural center within the region. Home-and-garden enthusiasts visiting the area could take inspiration from the lifestyle that flourished in Assos, a city steeped in history, art, and culture, offering a unique blend of ancient Architecture and picturesque landscapes.
