In February 2024, the focus of the Turkish archaeologists seemed to be ancient Pergamon, where the cultural revitalization project was launched with a $32M budget. The project is aimed at the revitalization and conservation of the rich cultural heritage of Pergamon, modern-day Bergama, through extensive archaeological excavations. Moreover, as a part of research on medicinal plants in Bergama, the academics from Ege University were investigating the Galen's (the renowned ancient Roman physician) prescriptions.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for February 2024. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!
February 13, 2024
Bastion from World War II abandoned
The cannons in the Turgut Reis Bastion, built for the defense of the Bosphorus during World War II in the northwestern province of Çanakkale, have started to rust, turning into a sad sight to behold, says a lecturer. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
February 15, 2024
Restoration in Grand Bazaar causes backlash
Restoration teams in Istanbul's historic Grand Bazaar have drilled walls and installed thick beams, prompting a strong reaction from shopkeepers. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
February 19, 2024
2000-years-old Hercules Rock Relief is being Vandalized
The 2000-year-old Hercules Rock Relief, located in Deliktaş, approximately 2.5 kilometers northeast of the Iznik district center of Bursa, is being vandalized. The historical artifact is in danger of being destroyed. Source: Arkeonews
Flood-hit museums reopen doors in less than a year
Following the aftermath of floods that hit the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa last year, Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, which were badly damaged, have reopened their doors to visitors in just 11 months, after repair and maintenance work was completed. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
February 20, 2024
Museum displays history of cameras and photography
The Photography Technologies Museum in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, where bellows, spy and high-market value cameras are being exhibited, sheds light on the history of photography. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Debris of quake-hit cultural structures to be reused
The debris of historical buildings that collapsed during the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquake in the southern province of Antakya has been preserved at a cultural debris site. The separated parts will be used during the reconstruction of these structures. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
February 21, 2024
Türkiye's Pergamon cultural revitalization launched with $32M budget
In a significant development for Türkiye's cultural preservation efforts, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy convened the fourth meeting of the ministry's "Legacy for the Future" project at the historic site of Asklepion in the ancient city of Pergamon (modern-day Bergama) with a staggering budget allocation of TL 1 billion ($32.23 million) the project aims to revitalize and conserve the rich cultural heritage of Bergama through extensive archaeological excavations and restoration initiatives. Source: Daily Sabah
February 23, 2024
Ankara Palas converted into museum
Ankara Palas, one of the symbolic buildings of the Republican era, has been transformed into a museum by the National Palaces Presidency, preserving its original structure. It was opened to visitors with a ceremony on Feb. 21. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
February 27, 2024
Academics Uncover Ancient Roman Physicians Galen’s Pharmacy Legacy in İzmir
As a part of research on medicinal plants in Bergama, İzmir’s historic district where Galen (129 AD -200 AD) once resided, academics from Ege University are investigating the contributions of the renowned ancient Roman physician’s prescriptions over the years. Source: Arkeonews
