Naula Mahmutlar | Mahmutlar Belediye and Akmedanmed describe Nuala as having ruins dating back to the Byzantium period.
NUALA, an ancient village in Mahmutlar, a beautiful site with wild flowers and blossom trees accessible to all to visit, walk and picnic amongst the ruins.
Nuala is accessible for anyone wishing to visit and walk and picnic in its grounds. It is a very beautiful place with wild flowers, blossom trees and wildlife.
It is quiet, unpolluted and interesting for those with a love of history.
Nuala Mahmutlar – where is it
Nuala is mentioned as the port of Leatres in ancient sources and lies concealed behind the modern day apartments near the beach and main D400 road running through Mahmutlar.
It is surrounded by farm land and banana plantations and was not easily explored due to vast vegetation covering many of its important features.
In recent years, however the mayor of Mahmutlar, Ahmet Top has made it his mission to clear the site and reveal its important features and draw tourists attention to the rich history of the area.
Nuala Mahmutlar | What will you find at the site?
You will find the ruins of an amphitheater, 6 temples, a columned street, two observatory towers, a dungeon/cellar to keep wild animals, two fountains all of which reflect Roman life.
The site has two storey tower like structure rising from the fortifications. The city walls were built from slate stone and brick masonry.
There have been four churches identified within the city and are noteworthy for their monumental size.
All that remains of CHURCH A is its apse wall which carried traces of wall paintings,
The apse, south and north walls remain still standing in CHURCH B and has a length of approximately 20m.
The walls are plastered and there are still traces of wall painting in place.
A niche in the south east wall would have been used for placing the holy eucharist.
The the west of this church there is a two storey building with windows.
Only the apse of CHURCH C is still standing and is located within the garden of a village house.
CHURCH D is located n the back yard of a village house near the banana plantation. Its apse, with a twin window and part of the north wall remain. Tiles on the ground suggest the presence of an original mosaic floor concealed beneath the earth.
Historians believe that the church and the city were built at the same time and base that belief on the materials and masonry techniques used for both.
There is believed to be a fifth church but that has yet to be identified.
If you want to read more about Nuala then follow this link to a detailed PDF document.
