Page 28 - NirvanaOfNaturae

KÖPRÜÇAY

River Gods

The Taurus Mountains give birth to many streams. but punish them with floods when enraged led to the
These streams trickle down the slopes, accumulate in worship of many rivers as deities and their designation
canyons, and form rivers. Interacting with the karstic as gods in antiquity.
structure of the Taurus Mountains, these rivers incor-
porate the stunning hues of blue, flowing swiftly as if Many important ancient cities that have survived to
eager to reach the sea. Upon reaching the plains, they this day were settlements established around large
deposit alluvium and form small meanders. rivers known by the names of gods. For instance, the
Aksu River near Perge Ancient City was known as the
Since ancient times, agriculture has been practiced in God Kestros, while the Köprüçay River flowing near
these fertile plains formed by the alluvial deposits of Aspendos Ancient City was called the God Euryme-
rivers that originate from the Taurus Mountains. Riv- don. The Manavgat River, which forms the ecological
ers provide a remarkable biological diversity in these component of Side Ancient City and flows near the
lands, offering immense wealth for both agriculture city, was known as the God Melas. These ancient
and hunting-gathering. The rivers' life-giving presence cities flourished due to their wealth on fertile lands and
over centuries, occasionally causing disasters through inspired the creation of works of art. The vast majority
floods, has impacted humans. The perception that of the works exhibited in Antalya Museum today come
rivers reward humans with their bounty in good times from these great ancient cities.

DNA DOĞANIN NİRVANASI ANTALYA 29