Hanna or Henna? The legend at Kemer's Çınarlı roundabout.
An outing in Kemer can start somewhere unexpected: at a roundabout. This sculpture introduces a local love story and a connection with Phaselis, while inviting us to distinguish documented history from legend.
At a glance
The sculpture stands at Kemer's Çınarlı roundabout. Its story needs a little care: local sources use both Hanna and Henna and describe a local legend rather than a verified ancient biography.
- Artwork at the Çınarlı roundabout in Kemer
- Hanna and Henna appear as spellings
- Phaselis makes a natural next stop
The sculpture offers an engaging introduction to a local story. Enjoy the legend while keeping it distinct from documented ancient history.
- Location
- Çınarlı roundabout in Kemer
- Name
- Hanna and Henna in local sources
- Context
- Local legend
Why this place is interesting for guests
Stay in Kemer a little longer and you begin to notice more than the beach, marina and hotel garden. Landmarks become familiar, stories give places meaning and the town starts to feel like somewhere you know.
The sculpture at the Çınarlı roundabout is one such landmark: easy to spot and a starting point for a story you can take with you on a visit to Phaselis.
Hanna, Henna or Helena?
Some accounts raise the possibility of a connection with Helena and Alexander the Great. The local sources available do not provide reliable evidence for that interpretation.
Turkish sources instead use Hanna or Henna. Both spellings appear here, with the story presented as local legend rather than established ancient history.
Phaselis: the historical setting
South of Kemer, the ancient port city of Phaselis brings together pine trees, harbour bays, the sea and surviving traces of its past.
Phaselis suits a relaxed day from Erendiz. Set off in the morning, take water, allow time to sit by a bay and explore at your own pace before returning to the garden.
An outing from Erendiz
Start with the sculpture and its story in Kemer, continue to Phaselis and return to the Erendiz garden with time to unwind.
Enjoy the story along the way as a local legend, without treating it as a proven account of ancient events.
- Start with coffee and a brief introduction in the Erendiz garden
- Pass through Kemer and look out for the Hanna/Henna sculpture
- Explore Phaselis at your own pace: harbour, pines and ancient remains
- Return with time for the pool, tea, dinner and conversation