The Examination of The Ankara Roman Baths from an Archaeological Tourism Perspective

Abstract

Anatolia possesses a unique archaeological and cultural heritage thanks to its strategic location at the intersection of many ancient civilizations throughout history. In this context, the Ankara Roman Bath, located in the Ulus district of Ankara and known in the literature as the “Caracalla Bath,” is one of the most significant representatives of the city's archaeological layers. Constructed in the 3rd century A.D. by Emperor Caracalla and dedicated to Asclepius, the God of Health, this complex sheds light on the socio-cultural structure of Ancient Ancyra with its classic Roman bath units such as the Frigidarium, Tepidarium, and Caldarium, as well as its extensive Palaestra and advanced technical infrastructure. This study aims to analyze the archaeological tourism potential of the structure, which functions as an open-air museum within the modern urban fabric, and to reveal its cultural heritage value within the context of urban tourism. Within the scope of the research methodology, data obtained from literature reviews, on-site observations, and institutional reports were evaluated holistically using the SWOT analysis technique. The findings indicate that although the structure retains its architectural integrity, it fails to receive the share it deserves from tourism due to insufficient promotion. Consequently, the study concludes that the site’s contribution to urban tourism can be enhanced by strengthening its museum status and effectively utilizing digital promotion channels.

Extended Abstract: This research employs a comprehensive methodological framework rooted in national and international literature reviews, supported by periodic field observations of the Ankara Roman Bath (Caracalla Bath). The observational data were systematically analyzed to support the study's interpretive sections, and the research culminates in a SWOT analysis to strategically evaluate the site’s archaeological tourism potential by identifying internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats. The findings focus first on the historical and architectural significance of the site. Located on the main axis extending from Ulus Square, the bath complex rests on a plateau historically known as "Çankırı Kapu." Although the site suffered significant damage during 1926 infrastructure works where Roman walls were dynamited, subsequent preservation efforts and systematic excavations initiated in the 1930s by experts like Remzi Oğuz Arık and Hâmit Koşay revealed a monumental structure built upon Phrygian settlements. Architecturally, the bath exemplifies the "Imperial Type" plan, featuring the Frigidarium (cold room), Tepidarium (warm room), and Caldarium (hot room), supported by a vast palaestra (exercise yard). A defining engineering feature is the partially in-situ hypocaust system (underfloor heating), confirming the site’s function as a complex social and health center dedicated to Asklepios during the reign of Emperor Caracalla (3rd Century AD). In terms of tourism dynamics, the study reveals a significant gap between the site's potential and its current performance. Despite its central location in the Altındağ district—which boasts a high accommodation capacity of over 9,500 beds—and Ankara’s robust accessibility supported by air traffic of 6.4 million passengers, the site remains a niche destination. Ministry statistics indicate that the Roman Bath Open Air Museum hosted only 12,834 visitors in 2024, a marginal increase of 1.43% from the previous year. In stark contrast, the nearby Museum of Anatolian Civilizations attracted over 445,000 visitors. This disparity underscores that the site fails to capture the existing tourist flow due to a lack of effective marketing and "perceptual accessibility."

The strategic assessment via SWOT analysis concludes that the site's primary strengths lie in the high legibility of its architectural plan and multi-layered stratigraphy. However, critical weaknesses such as the physical degradation of exposed brick elements due to the lack of protective roofing, insufficient visitor interpretation, and the absence of modern digital reconstruction technologies (AR/VR) hinder its potential. Significant opportunities exist to integrate the site into a "Via Ancyra" cultural route and develop thematic tours focused on health and water culture. Conversely, the site faces severe threats from anthropogenic pressures, including vibration and pollution from heavy urban traffic, as well as climate change-induced erosion. Consequently, the study concludes that for the Caracalla Bath to function as a sustainable "Open Air Museum," it must adopt an interpretation-focused management strategy. This approach should prioritize professional guidance to act as "cultural brokers" and implement visitor management plans that balance the preservation of the "spirit of the place" with economic utilization.