Ancient City of Knidos (Datça, Muğla)
Knidos (Cnidus) is an ancient port city located at the western tip of the Datça Peninsula in Muğla, southwestern Turkey. It stands on Cape Tekir, where a modern road from Datça ends at the archaeological site overlooking two natural harbors.
(Source: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Knidos Ancient City
https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/mugla/gezilecekyer/knidos-antik-kenti)
The city was founded by Dorian Greek settlers around the 7th–6th centuries BC and became one of the principal cities of Caria and a member of the Dorian Hexapolis. Its twin harbors controlled key sea routes between the Aegean and the Mediterranean, making Knidos a major center of trade and maritime activity.
(Source: Knidos – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knidos)
Knidos was also a renowned center of science, medicine, and art. The famous astronomer and mathematician Eudoxus of Cnidus worked here, and the city hosted an influential medical school whose physicians were respected throughout the ancient world.
(Source: Eudoxus of Cnidus – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eudoxus_of_Cnidus
and Turkish Museums – “Tıp Tarihi: Knidos Antik Kenti”
https://turkishmuseums.com/blog/detail/tip-tarihi-knidos-antik-kenti/10010/1)
The most celebrated symbol of Knidos was the Aphrodite of Knidos, a cult statue by the sculptor Praxiteles, often regarded as the first full-scale nude statue of a woman in Greek art. Ancient authors report that sailors and travelers would alter their route just to see this famous statue in its circular temple overlooking the harbor.
(Source: Aphrodite of Knidos – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodite_of_Knidos
and Turkey Tour Organizer – Knidos Ancient City
https://www.turkeytourorganizer.com/blog/knidos-ancient-city)
Today, visitors can see the remains of the theater, terraced temples, agora, a round (tholos) temple, a vast necropolis and the twin harbors, all set against crystal-clear turquoise waters. The combination of impressive archaeological ruins and dramatic coastal scenery makes Knidos one of the most atmospheric ancient cities in Turkey.
(Source: Culture Portal – Knidos Ancient City
https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/mugla/gezilecekyer/knidos-antik-kenti
and Visit Turkey – Knidos Ancient City
https://visitturkey.in/ancient-city/knidos/)