Located within the borders of the Aksu district, 18 km east of Antalya, Perge is an ancient city that once served as the capital of the Pamphylia region. Dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, this ancient settlement has a deep-rooted history and is rumored to have been founded by the Achaeans after the Trojan War. The city experienced its most brilliant period, especially during the Hellenistic period (it played an important role during the campaign of Alexander the Great in 334 BC) and the Roman Empire period.

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Perge's architectural structure reveals the advanced level of Roman engineering and aesthetics. One of the most impressive structures in the city, the theater, has a capacity of approximately 13,000 to 15,000 people and features impressive reliefs on its stage building depicting the life of Dionysus, the god of wine. The fact that the orchestra area of the theater was used for gladiator and wild animal fights proves that the structure functioned as a versatile social center.

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Another important structure of the city, the stadium, is considered one of the best-preserved examples from the ancient world. This long, narrow rectangular structure, 234 x 34 meters in size, is built on 70 arches and has a seating capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators. One of the most interesting aspects of the structure is that the arch spaces supporting the long sides were used as shops, and the names of the shop owners were written on them.

The agora, the commercial and political center of the city, with its round structure in the middle, surrounding shops, and mosaic floors, reflects the vibrant commercial life of the period. Structures such as the colonnaded streets and Roman baths, which are evidence of urban planning, also reveal the engineering techniques of the time.

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The importance of Perge is not limited to its archaeological remains. The city was also an important center for early Christian history; sources state that St. Paul preached here. This spiritual and religious context shows that Perge is not only a tourist destination but also a heritage site with spiritual value for certain faith groups. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Perge Ancient City in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2009 emphasizes that the region is a cultural heritage that should be preserved on a universal scale. This status ensures the city's international recognition and transforms it from a simple archaeological site into a cultural destination of global importance.

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