The Story Behind Our Name: SYNAOS
The name Synaos is deeply rooted in the ancient history of the region we proudly belong to. It is believed to be the earliest known name of the town of Simav, located in Kütahya, western Anatolia.
The word Synaos likely evolved from the Luwian root “Anauwa,” meaning “a place by the lake” or “a pathway along the slope.” This etymology resonates perfectly with the geographic character of Simav — nestled between mountains and enriched by natural springs and lakes.
During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the area became known as Synaos, a name that also carries the meaning of “shared sanctuary” or “temple in common.” This interpretation beautifully reflects our association’s mission of bringing people together around shared values, dialogue, and cultural heritage.
Historically, Synaos was an important city in ancient Phrygia and later a coin-minting and episcopal center in the Roman and Byzantine periods. Evliya Çelebi, the renowned Ottoman traveler, refers to this region as Simavna, suggesting that the current name Simav may have derived from Persian origins (Sim-ab), meaning “silver water.”
Why Synaos?
By choosing Synaos as the name of our think tank and cultural platform, we aim to honor our roots, embrace diversity, and revive the intellectual and cultural legacy of our region. Our name is a tribute to the spirit of collective growth, historical awareness, and creative cooperation.
We believe that by knowing where we come from, we can shape a more conscious and meaningful future.
