The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Market Shops – Part one

Hidden Crosses and Churches in Side, Türkiye (Pamphylia)

• The Byzantine Episcopal Influence on the History of Side, Pamphylia
• Exploring Side, Pamphylia Hidden Byzantine Monuments
• The Lost Metropolis Episcopal Palace in Side, Pamphylia
• Discovering the Repurposed Chapel in Side Open Air Museum
• The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Market Shops – Part one
• The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Market Shops – Part Two
• The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Shops – Part 3
• Hidden Things From Side’s Fountain to Grand Theater
• Hidden Crosses in the Side Archeology Museum
• Side’s Fascinating Basilica near Apollo Temple
• Analyzing the 12 churches and chapels of Side, Pamphylia
• Analyzing the Synagogue in Side, Pamphylia

While shopping, one can enjoy the hidden mosaics below the surface of many shops and restaurants in the Old Town of Side. Where are the best-hidden mosaics on the Side peninsula? My walking tour will guide you in finding these hidden treasures.

The Ancient City of Side is enclosed in the Open Air Museum, but the massive gate near the Theater formed the city’s border when the Arabs invaded at times (starting in the 7th century). On the peninsula, the town flourished until the Seljuk takeover (12th-13th century). In the 20th century, the city built modern dwellings over the hidden mosaics. A few years ago, the archeology authorities desired to recover many of the hidden mosaics and substructures of Ancient Side to become a walking museum for all. Now, we can see many of these beautiful mosaics under glass frames placed over them, becoming the floor of a patio or store.

Here is my Google Map walking tour of the best mosaics in Side:

Westside Basilica – Akdeniz Pharmacy

The images shocked me when I saw the Akdeniz Pharmacy substructure (Map B). One of the key images shows one of three angels. Beneath the glass, there is also evidence of an apse and crosses since the cellar area gives way to a graveyard of a church or chapel.

The marble panel, which resembles the front of a church with a cross and capitals, evidences the West Side Basilica that the Side Map displays. This may be a side chapel of the Basilica since the map shows its location across the street near the abandoned wall.

Substructure Mosaics near to Ami Leder Fur Shop (Map near to D)

Behind the Akdeniz Pharmacy and Mozaik Carpets, a massive substructure (Map C & D) with a mosaic display exists. This gives evidence of the entryway near the west of this chapel. Below is another perspective

Mozaik Carpet Display of Mosaics (Map E)

The Mozaik Carpet shop showcases a stunning mosaic shaped like a carpet, an enchanting centerpiece that beautifully embodies the essence of its name.

The shop was one of the first to protect the mosaics in Side. During my first visit to Side, I discovered this remarkable shop that featured exquisite mosaics. I was particularly impressed by the preserved area below, which showcased a stunning mosaic carpet adorned with diamond figures.

These hidden mosaics serve as a reminder of the spiritual world of the Byzantines. They intricately incorporated images into their worship, guiding believers in their faith. Christ told His followers, “I am the way and the life, so follow me.” As believers follow Him, they walk on a pathway that reflects Christ’s death, God’s love, and the presence of angels. This act of walking symbolizes a life lived in Christ. For this reason, the mosaics along the way reflect on the direction one should take.

See part two of this walking tour.

My other explorations: