Nisa (Sütleğen)

Nisa is located 60 km from Kaş and is an important plateau village. The archaeological site is within a 15-minute travel distance from the city. The Lykian name of the city, Neiseus, is inscribed on the ruins of an ancient theatre wall. Both Lykian and Roman remains can be found in Nisa. Spears, shields, and depictions of women and men are found on the exteriors on some of the sarcophagi found there. The ancient city has an agora and a theatre. A number of coins issued in the Lykia Federation period are exhibited in Antalya Museum. 

History

The name of the village is derived from the large quantities of Sütleğen plant found that can be found in the local area. The village’s history diverged from that of the Akörü village in 1952. There is an ancient Lykian city in the village. The city’s drinking water network was supplied from two main sources – the Kayalıbaşı and Pınarbaşı springs. This information was determined as a result of local excavations, which unearthed calcified water pipes made from clinker. It is estimated that the city was inhabited by around 1000 people during its time. Since archaeological research cannot be undertaken by the government, no detailed information is available. Renowned for issuing coins for the first time during Hellenistic period, coins from Nisa are exhibited in Antalya Museum. Although they are being damaged, they cannot be put under protection due to the lack of a police station in the village. Treasure hunters are currently able to make uncontrolled excavations. 

Nisa is situated 35 km north of Kaş, near a mountain pass known as Sinekçi Beli, in a location known as Meryemlik. Nisa is a word derived from the Luwi or Lykia language, but its meaning is unknown. Neither does it have a meaning in the Hellen language. It came into prominence during the Hellenistic Age for issuing coins. Its city walls were built with huge stones and rough workmanship. An arched temenos gate can be seen in the southern section. Among other surviving structures in Nisa is a 700-800 seat Roman theatre leaning on a slope whose cavea is in relatively good condition. The stoa of the agora is next to the edge of the upper row of theatre seats and reflects Hellenistic workmanship. The stadium has been completely destroyed with the exception of a few rows. One can observe sarcophagi here and there. The remains are visible on land and extend over a wide area. 

Culture

Women make phyllo collectively. Haricot beans, rice, and Bazlama (yeast bread) are staples of the local cuisine. Also included are delicious meat dishes, tarhana soup, grape molasses, honeydew honey and various types of fruit jams. 

Geography

Nisa is located 174 km from Antalya and 65 km Kaş. There are direct minibus services that run to the city centre (8 minibuses travel to Antalya city centre during the day). It is one of the most developed and most social plateau villages of Kaş. It is located in close proximity to Kalkan and Fethiye. Nisa is a developed town with a wide range of businesses and is also suitable location for plateau tourism. 

Climate 

It is surrounded by a a forest and plateau forest within cedar woods. Although cool in summer and cold in winter. Nisa has a mild climate because it faces the sea, which is 45 km away from the village. Since it is surrounded by mountains, it has excellent mountain air, which provides a unique therapeutic effect for certain diseases.  

Economy

Village economy is based on agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry. Over the years, animal husbandry has gradually decreased in importance. Young people of the village travel to nearby cities, as there aren’t a sufficient number of jobs in the village. Apple growing is a common profession in the village. Nisa has lands suitable for growing grapes, walnuts, hazelnuts, harsh climate fruits, corn and peas. There are around ten convenience stores, two hardware stores, ten sawmills, two classic flour mills, two middle-sized flour and feed factories, one draper, one ready-to-wear store, two barber shops, two middle-sized restaurants, three electricians and a plumber, one cold and five hot ironsmiths, two internet cafes and one telephone store. There is also a bakery, a shopping mall and a repairer. Woodworking, with cedar in particular, is common due to Nisa’s proximity to cedar forests. Many people come to the village in the summer for to enjoy its cool weather. The village’s water is potable and quite cold. The village is supplied with irrigation water as well.