İznik Dikilitaş (İznik Obeliski)

The monument, called Beş Taş by local people, is noted for having been made on site, unlike many obelisks in the country that were brought from Egypt; it was built with stones gathered from the surroundings and is relatively small in size. It is stated that the surrounding ground has risen by approximately two meters since the period when it was built.

The inscription on the first stone states that C. Cassius Philiscus, son of C. Cassius Asklepiodotus, lived for 83 years; it is argued that he commissioned the monument. Immediately below it is an empty burial chamber, and nearby are a necropolis and a stepped rock.

Visit note: It is reported that the site can be reached by following the signs toward Elbeyli and taking the cadastral road through the fields; there is no information on fees, hours, or protection status.

The information in this listing was compiled from the following sources:

• gezbiraz.com/iznik-dikilitas.html

The information was verified on the date of compilation. We recommend calling the venue before your visit.

The cover image is a symbolic pattern inspired by the İznik tile tradition; it is not a photograph of the venue.