PURPLE SPRING

Eflatun Pınarı is a sacred water monument from the Hittite period. It is located 22 km from Beyşehir. The monument depicts gods who support the sky and establish a connection between earth and sky. The spring gushes from a section of approximately one hundred square meters at the foot of a flat, limestone hill on a gently undulating area. The monument also resembles the famous İvriz Relief in Ereğli. To the north, facing the spring, stands a magnificent monument. 7 meters wide and 4 meters high, this monument is made of 14 enormous stones. It dates back to the Hittite period and is quite significant. Based on its form, it is dated to the reign of Tudhaliya IV. Eflatunpınar is one of the monuments in the Old Anatolian style, that is, the 'imitation of Hittite art' style, which is spread throughout Anatolia. On the west side of the north facing structure, a spring of water gushes from the ground, and the water, when its flow is interrupted, forms a small lake. A facade consisting of 14 sarcophagi rises above the lake (7.02 x 3.30 meters). The theme depicted at Enflatunpınar emphasizes earth, water, and sun, which are considered symbols of fertility. The monument has the characteristics of a cult site. It is believed to have taken its name from the famous Plato, who is thought to have lived here for a time. It is more likely that the name was inspired by its color.