Pazarlı’s main distinction is to be the source of the world’s longest Roman aqueduct. This amazing work of engineering snakes the 250+ kilometres to Istanbul, mostly following the terrain but occasionally soaring across valleys via lovely bridges. In the immense distance of its path, the water level drops by only 0.7m in each kilometre of travel. The remains of this immense construction at Pazarlı are low key but the first section of the aqueduct has been repeatedly repaired and is still used.

Roman aqueduct channel east of Pazarlı (41.606767, 27.716459)

With such a reliable and productive water supply, Pazarlı was settled early in history. However, the only buildings that remain from Byzantine or earlier times are those carved into the rock. These are parts of an extensive necropolis to the north-east of the current village. The most spectacular feature of this is a rock-cut chapel (41.611839, 27.706189) on a bluff with a view towards Vize.

Top of the Pazarlı chapel

Chapel steps and entrance

Single west-facing apse

Looking out of the chapel towards the east

Rock tombs are spread over a large area. There has been some activity by treasure hunters but there does not seem to have been much treasure to find.

Typical grave type in Pazarlı necropolis

A deep structure in the necropolis

A large grave structure on the western slope

Multiple graves in the commoners' area

This tree was unable to grow deep roots

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