Dokimeion (İscehisar) Ancient City is a historical settlement located in the district of İscehisar in the Afyonkarahisar province of Turkey today. It is believed to have been established around 302 BC during the Hellenistic period by Antigonus Docimos, one of Alexander the Great’s generals. The city gained fame, especially for its marble quarries, and became an important center in the ancient world.
Dokimeion was established by the Macedonians as a military colony, and therefore its coins carry the inscription “Dokimeon Makedonon” (The Macedonian Dokimeion). During the Roman period, it achieved a semi-autonomous status and even minted bronze coins in the emperor’s name. Although the ancient writer Strabo described Dokimeion as a “village” (kōme), it became an economically significant place due to its marble trade.
The greatest feature of Dokimeion is the rich marble deposits surrounding it. Especially the white and purple-veined “Pavonazzetto” (Afyon violet marble), which was widely used in Roman architecture, was extracted from the quarries in İscehisar. These marbles were transported to the port of Ephesus via a land route about 300 kilometers long. Large blocks and columns were transported by 6-10 wheeled wagons drawn by oxen. From Ephesus, they were exported to Rome, North Africa, and other regions. During the Roman period, Dokimeion was also an important center for sarcophagus production, alongside Athens and Rome, with sarcophagi sent to places such as Italy, Syria, and Crete.
The Persis Mountain (today Bacakale), where the marble quarries are located, also holds mythological significance. According to Greek mythology, this region was the sacred area of the Goddess Kybele. The legend says that Kybele’s lover, Attis, was injured in a wild boar attack here, and his blood transformed the white marble into purple-veined marble.
Historical Development of Dokimeion
Dokimeion reached its peak during the Roman Empire, but since most of the profits went to the Roman treasury, the local people could not fully benefit from this wealth. During the Byzantine period, it remained important as a center of Christianity, and some of the marbles used in the construction of Hagia Sophia were sourced from here. From the 12th century onwards, with the Turkish invasions, the city lost its significance and gradually became a village. When the Turks arrived in the region, they found it desolate and named it “Issizcekarahisar” or “İscehisar.”
With the deep and rich culture we inherited from the past, we have combined it with the needs of the modern age and created the “DOCIMAR MARBLE” brand. As an inheritor of this rich and unique culture, our company aims to produce the finest and most beautiful marbles in the world and add value to living spaces.
Our commitment to preserving this rich historical heritage is reflected in our use of traditional marble craftsmanship, blending ancient techniques with modern innovation.
The legacy of Dokimeion continues to shine through its world-renowned marble, which has graced monumental structures across the globe.
Our mission is to continue the proud tradition of Dokimeion, producing marble
that combines the finest craftsmanship with the timeless beauty of nature.
“Today, as a modern leader in marble production, “DOCIMAR MARBLE”
honors the timeless elegance of Dokimeion’s marble, ensuring its beauty
continues to inspire future generations.”
CELALETTIN OZSARI
DIRECTOR & FOUNDER