25/07/2025
The marvel of the ancient world 🤩
A towering rock face in present-day Turkey, the Midas Monument also known as Yazılıkaya dates back to the 7th century BCE and stands as one of the most iconic remnants of the Phrygian civilization. Located in Eskişehir Province, this grand stone façade was likely a site of religious importance, possibly dedicated to Cybele, the Phrygian Mother Goddess. Its scale and placement suggest it was meant to inspire reverence, drawing attention to the spiritual practices of an ancient culture long lost to time.
The monument is especially striking for its intricate geometric designs, most notably the meander motif, and its nearly symmetrical flat façade. At the center lies a false door, a common symbolic feature in Phrygian architecture believed to represent a passage to the spiritual realm. Above the door is an inscription written in Old Phrygian script, linking this sacred structure to King Midas himself or at least to a figure regarded with equal reverence. This adds linguistic and historical value to the site, offering researchers a glimpse into ancient writing systems and rituals.
Beneath the façade are caves and carved-out chambers that likely served ritualistic or burial purposes. The natural integration of the monument with the rocky landscape, combined with its isolation, gives it a hauntingly sacred presence. Its preservation not only highlights the architectural skill of the Phrygians but also serves as a powerful reminder of how ancient peoples connected deeply with nature, mythology, and stone as a medium of cultural expression.