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Wildfires in Türkiye's southern province of Antalya have reached the perimeter of Perge ancient city, threatening one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites. Flames have approached the steps of the Roman amphitheater that faces the ancient settlement, while officials continue to battle blazes across several districts.
Fires broke out in forested areas across four districts—Aksu, Muratpasa, Manavgat, and Gazipasa—with strong winds pushing the fire from the Fatih neighborhood in Aksu toward Yurtpinar, where Perge is located.
The blaze reached the vicinity of the site’s Roman theater and moved dangerously close to the ancient stadium, raising alarm among heritage authorities.
The fire has scorched land stretching from residential areas to green zones surrounding Perge, which is listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List. Believed to have been known as "Parha" during the Hittite period, the city flourished under Roman rule and is famed for its refined architecture and marble sculptures.
The well-preserved theater, with a capacity of around 13,000 spectators, and a second-century A.D. stage building are among its most iconic features. Nearby stands a 12,000-seat stadium, regarded as one of the best-preserved in Türkiye.
Antalya Governor Hulusi Sahin stated that intense heat and strong northern winds have caused numerous fires to erupt since morning. While the fires in Manavgat and Alanya have been extinguished and the one in Muratpasa's Guzeloba neighborhood brought under control, those in Aksu and Gazipasa remain active. He noted that some homes had been evacuated and that damage had occurred to a few houses and greenhouses.
The governor confirmed that one person has been taken into custody in connection with the fire in Guzeloba, but clarified that the incident did not appear to be an act of sabotage. He emphasized that dry vegetation and human activity—such as discarded cigarettes or small fires—can easily ignite wildfires under current weather conditions.
Efforts to contain the fires are being carried out by regional forest authorities, local fire brigades, municipal machinery, and police water cannon trucks. The governor warned that flames near residential and agricultural zones continue to pose serious risks and that damage assessments will begin once the fires are fully under control.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that, contrary to the images shared by Anadolu Agency and Aksu Mayor Isa Yildirim, the fire that reached the borders of the ancient city of Perge did not damage the theater or any other structures. The statement from the Ministry read:
"The fire that broke out today in the Aksu district of Antalya spread rapidly due to the wind and reached the boundary of the Perge Ancient City Theater, but was brought under control through the coordinated efforts of all relevant institutions. No fire-related damage has occurred to our cultural heritage site, the Perge Ancient City. Reports in some outlets suggesting that 'the fire spread to the ancient city' do not reflect the truth."
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