September 2023 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 08:38

Without a doubt, the most interesting event in the field of history and culture of Turkish lands in September 2023 was the announcement by UNESCO of the entry on the World Heritage List of two new items from Turkey. This honorable distinction was awarded to the archaeological site of Gordion, located near Ankara, and five wooden mosques from the Middle Ages, located in various locations in Anatolia.

Finds from Alacahöyük in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara

Submitted by Iza on Sat, 09/30/2023 - 15:32

Alacahöyük is an important archaeological site, located near the village of Alacahüyük in the Alaca District of Çorum Province in Turkey. It documents the existence of a major Neolithic and Hittite settlement. The uppermost layers also show elements of Phrygian, Roman, and Ottoman times.

The site was excavated by numerous archaeological teams. The most important artefacts, including magnificent gold and bronze objects found in the Royal Tombs discovered there, are now on display in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.

Perceptions in a state of flux

Submitted by Iza on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 16:13

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia

The cultural barometer has changed. Whereas there was an age when archaeologists excavated and shipped exquisite artefacts from strange far-flung shores for the edification and delight of the, primarily, middle class viewing public of Europe; few of whom, if any, could ever visit those lands. The weather vane has decidedly swung in the opposite direction.

Europe is, rather harshly, now viewed as a thief. One could quite easily perceive these nations as protectors, even rescuers. Initially, this importation of ancient artefacts was considered as educational and enlightening, though it rather ignored the fact that the works of art being shipped were not morally their property. Not that that would have shaken an Imperialist's viewpoint, in their arrogance exuding an air of superiority.

Bronze furniture fitting of a winged human-headed bull, originally inlaid and gilded, the late 8th century BCE, Urartian, from Toprakkale, east Turkey, now in the British Museum in London

Hierapolis

Submitted by Iza on Sun, 09/24/2023 - 11:42

This text is a fragment of a guidebook to Hierapolis and Pamukkale: "The Secrets of Pamukkale and Hierapolis".

Lured by the glistening snow-white travertine terraces, thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe come to visit the famous World Heritage Site of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. For many of them, a walk along these terraces and a dip in the widely-advertised Ancient Pool are the highlights of the trip. However, the site has so much more to offer for all the visitors who want to see and understand it more profoundly. The ruins of the ancient city known as Hierapolis are extensive, and their far-away corners are rarely seen by the tourists who hurry through the main sights. If you want to be sure that you did not overlook anything of interest during the time you spent at Hierapolis-Pamukkale site, this is the article written for you.

Stirrings in the Didim undergrowth

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 12:35

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia.

As I have previously explained, the discipline of archaeology entails a destructive element. It is inevitable that by removing artefacts from the ground, level by level, from their long interred resting place the most cautious professional shall endeavour to plot and log every minutia of detail. It is a laborious task, but one, nonetheless, that is imperative. Unlike the treasure hunters whom have no qualms about blustering in with a JCB excavator, leaving in their wake utter carnage.

Though now I feel we are, ironically, facing another and an altogether different dilemma in revealing the hidden secrets of ancient Didyma. I shall not name names or individual establishments, for that may create a friction which is unnecessary. Civil conversation is more amiable and amicable.