The mysterious cities of the dead carved into the sides of cliffs

Two thousand years ago, the one-time rulers of modern-day Turkiye's southwestern corner had a fully functioning democratic federation.

The ancient Lycians knew a thing or two about democracy. Two thousand years ago, the one-time rulers of modern-day Turkiye’s southwestern corner had a fully functioning democratic federation that centuries later inspired America’s political structure.

While democracies everywhere might be facing turbulent times, another Lycian legacy remains steadfastly present in the Mediterranean region they used to call home. And this one is focused almost entirely around death.

Drive around the coast of this beautiful region and you’ll never be too far from a spectacular city of the dead – elaborate tombs carved by Lycians into the sides of cliffs overlooking towns, valleys and shorelines.

That’s not all. Scattered throughout the countryside and towns are imposing sarcophagi that likely once held the remains of high and mighty denizens of Lycia. Indeed, they’re such a familiar sight that they’re often casually included as part of urban landscapes.

For visitors, especially those interested in history, tracking them down is an adventure all on its own.

While some are preserved in ticketed archaeological sites, others are free to explore — but can require Indiana Jones-level exploration skills, clambering up vertiginous hillsides, riding boats and delving into the undergrowth to find.

A good starting place is Fethiye, a low-key port city that’s a useful jumping-off point for great beaches and attractions all along Turkiye’s so-called Turquoise Coast riviera. After a day of swimming in those glorious waters, it’s worth a sunset trek to the overlooking cliffs.