In a first for the Temple of Apollo, the attraction will remain open to visitors during the evenings throughout the coming summer months.

Night site

The historic site is one of 27 Turkiye-wide sites to be included in the Night Museum initiative, which was introduced in 2024 by the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

The Apollo site will be illuminated and open to visitors from June 1 to October 1 until 9pm. The aim is to offer visitors an opportunity to explore in cooler settings.

The work has been carried out under the supervision of the Izmir Directorate of Surveying and Monuments. No damage has been done to the historical artifacts inside, and special wood has been placed between the stones to prevent contact between some stones that had to be moved.

All trees, especially laurel trees, located inside the historical temple  have been uprooted and relocated elsewhere. The installed lighting and camera systems are compatible with the historical texture and provide both security and illumination of the temple.

The work is being closely monitored by the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), which also carries out the promotion and marketing activities of the Temple of Apollo.

UNESCO process revived

The UNESCO process for the Apollon Temple has also been revived. Efforts are being carried out under the leadership of TGA, involving all official institutions of Didim, to revive the work initiated by the Didim Chamber of Commerce in previous years to include the Temple of Apollo and the Miletus Archaeological Site in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

The archaeological excavation house has also been recovered in the relevant process, while the excavation work, which has been carried out by the Didim Milet Museum Director Baran Aydın, has been carried out by the excavation team since 2024.

New Discovery in Didim: “Mezmurkaya Archaeological Site”
The recently discovered “Mezmurkaya Archaeological Site” covers an area of ​​approximately 20 acres and dates back to the 5th century AD.

The 20-acre protected area is at the intersection of Türkoğlu Street and the road leading to Mesut Tatil Sitesi at the end of Karamustafa Street in Didim Efeler Neighborhood.

Wall graffiti

According to information from the authorities regarding the cleaning of the graffiti that cause visual ugliness on the outer walls.

Since the region is a first degree protected area, no ordinary work can be done here. The graffiti across the 500 m² require a special cleaning process by sandblasting and the cost could run to more than 3.5 million TL in total.

The authorities continue to look at all options available.

Some of the above has been sourced from the local Mavi Didim newspaper.