AFYON

City of Afyon, Turkey, overlooked by a cone of volcanic rock. formerly Afyon Karahisar, Afyonkarahisar, or Karahisar-i Sahip, city, western Turkey. It lies along the Akar River at an elevation of 3,392 feet (1,034 m). In ancient times the town was known as Acronus. It fell to the Seljuq Turks in the 13th century and was renamed Karahisar (Black Fortress) after the ancient fortress situated atop a cone of volcanic rock 660 feet (201 m) above the town. The word afyon (opium) was subsequently prefixed to the town's name as a reflection of the region's chief product. The town came under Ottoman rule briefly in 13921402 and then conclusively in 142829. It was heavily damaged in the Turkish War of Independence (191922), when it was occupied twice by Greek forces. Historical monuments in Afyon include the partly ruined fortress (the landmark of the town), the 13th-century Ulu Cami (Great Mosque), and the Altigz Bridge built by the Seljuqs. The local archaeological museum is housed in an old theological school. An important railway junction on the Izmir-Ankara line, Afyon is also well-served by highways and air service linking it to all the major towns in Turkey. The region surrounding the city has traditionally been the leading opium-poppy-producing area in Turkey. Its other agricultural products include wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, and livestock. Industry is confined to mohair, wool, carpets, cement, and marble. Pop. (1990) 95,643.