Beldibi Cave: A Window into Antalya’s Prehistoric Past
Beldibi Cave: A Window into Antalya’s Prehistoric Past
Beldibi Cave: A Window into Antalya’s Prehistoric Past
Located about 40 km from Antalya on the Kemer coastal road, right by the Çamdağ Tunnel exit, Beldibi Cave is a rock shelter sitting 25 meters above sea level. Found in Obaköy, it’s one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Antalya region.
Discovered in 1956 by E.Y. Bostancı, excavations revealed six cultural layers from the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. Numerous flint tools such as microliths, blades, and arrowheads were found, along with red ochre rock paintings depicting humans, mountain goats, and deer.
Findings show that the cave’s inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who also collected wild grains using sickle blades. Beldibi Cave complements the Mesolithic culture that’s missing in the nearby Karain Cave.
Surrounded by pine forests, Beldibi Cave today is an open archaeological site, inviting visitors to experience both nature and ancient history together.
