By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

The Spirit of Troy: Ancient Greek Hero Busts Honor Troy’s Legacy in Turkish Village

The influence of Homer’s Iliad continues to resonate across time, inspiring modern-day tributes in unexpected places. In a small village near the ruins of ancient Troy, modern citizens have decided to honor the heroes of this legendary tale by installing busts of the famous Greek and Trojan warriors. Tevfikiye, located a mere kilometer from the site of ancient Troy, has become a living homage to the epic struggle between the Achaeans and the Trojans. Known as the "Troy Observation Terrace" (Truva Seyir Terasi), this unique square now serves as a gathering place where mythology, history, and modern life intersect.

The Mythical Roots: Troy and the Scamander Plain

The village of Tevfikiye offers a panoramic view of the Scamander River plain, the setting for much of the Trojan War as described by Homer. Just beyond the village lies the ancient city of Troy, a site that has been excavated by famed archaeologists such as Frank Calvert and Heinrich Schliemann. As one gazes across this landscape, it is easy to imagine the legendary battles fought between the Achaeans and Trojans, with warriors like Achilles, Hector, and Ajax clashing on these very plains.

Troy, long regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites, served as a cultural bridge connecting the civilizations of the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and Anatolia. The city’s strategic location made it a hub for trade, migration, and the exchange of knowledge, which ultimately contributed to its wealth and power during the Late Bronze Age.

The Archaeological Troy: Unveiling the City of Homer’s Iliad

Troy VI is widely accepted as the Homeric Troy. Its remains reveal a city of considerable sophistication, with robust fortifications and a palace complex that speaks to its prosperity during the 13th and 12th centuries BC. Troy VI's strategic location allowed it to control vital trade routes, particularly the Hellespont (modern Dardanelles), which linked the Aegean with the Black Sea.

In Homeric epics, Troy is depicted as a city of wealth and influence, and archaeological findings confirm that it was a center of power during this period. The name "Troy" itself appears in multiple sources, from Homer’s Iliad to Hittite texts, where it is referred to as Wilusa or Taruisa. This confluence of names reflects Troy’s dual identity as both a fortified citadel and a bustling lower city.

The towers and walls of Troy VI were constructed around 1300 BC, just decades before the city’s destruction, possibly by a coalition of aggressors, including the Achaeans. Despite its eventual fall, Troy VI thrived for nearly six centuries, embodying the grandeur and complexity of the Late Bronze Age world.

The Village of Tevfikiye: A Modern-Day Troy Experience

In recent years, Tevfikiye has undergone a transformation. What was once a quiet village has been reimagined as a living tribute to the Trojan era. With its proximity to both the Troy ruins and the modern Troy Museum, Tevfikiye has become an archaeological-themed village. This metamorphosis is part of an initiative launched by the Çanakkale Governor’s Office in 2017 to attract visitors to the area and boost the local economy.

The village square, now named the "Square of Troy," has been adorned with busts of Trojan War heroes, including Achilles, Odysseus, Hector, and Paris. This display not only pays tribute to the Greek and Trojan warriors but also provides a tangible connection to the ancient myths that have shaped the region’s identity.

The Rich History of Tevfikiye: A Bridge Between Past and Present

The history of Tevfikiye is intertwined with that of Troy. The village was settled by Bulgarian immigrants in the late 19th century, during a period of upheaval following the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-1878. Many of these settlers found employment working on Schliemann’s excavations at the nearby Troy site. Their homes were built using materials from the excavation, and the village mosque, constructed in 1895, was crafted from stones taken from the ancient city.

Today, the village retains its historical charm, with buildings modeled after Trojan architecture. The village coffeehouse and health center have been renovated to resemble structures from the Troy VI period, and the observatory at the heart of the village is inspired by the palatial architecture of ancient Troy. These efforts have created a unique atmosphere where visitors can step back in time and experience the world of Homer’s epics.

A Cultural Renaissance: The "House of Troy"

One of Tevfikiye’s most striking features is the "House of Troy," a building designed to evoke the grandeur of the ancient city. Visitors can explore rooms that mirror the architectural style of Troy VI, complete with columns and wall ends that reflect the craftsmanship of the era. A miniature waterfall and a museum dedicated to Trojan history further enhance the village’s charm.

The village’s wedding hall has also been repurposed as a cultural center, offering a space for exhibitions and events that celebrate the rich history of the region. This blending of ancient and modern elements creates a vibrant cultural hub where the past is not only remembered but actively revived.

Tevfikiye, A Living Monument to Homeric Troy

Tevfikiye stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Homer’s Iliad. Through its careful preservation of ancient traditions and its modern homage to the heroes of the Trojan War, the village has become a place where history and mythology come alive. Visitors can walk among the busts of legendary figures like Achilles and Hector, gaze out over the plains where these warriors once fought, and experience the profound connection between the past and present. As Tevfikiye continues to evolve, it offers a unique glimpse into the world of ancient Troy, ensuring that the epic tales of the Trojan War will continue to inspire generations to come.