June 2018 was a fascinating month for archaeology fans in Turkey, with expectations set high for Göbekli Tepe to be soon included onto UNESCO's World Heritage List. Meanwhile, archaeological excavations revealed the ashes from Santorini’s Minoan eruption in Smyrna, the work continued in ancient Magarasus, and a major project was expected to begin soon in Ordu’s Kurul Castle. Moreover, a new law was introduced, stating that 51 percent of archaeological excavation teams led by foreign crews should consist of Turkish nationals.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for June 2018. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!
June 1, 2018
Seven more Turkish sites added to UNESCO’s tentative heritage list
Seven more Turkish sites have been added to UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List, the Culture Ministry stated on June 1. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
June 3, 2018
Ashes from Santorini’s Minoan eruption found in Smyrna excavation
Archaeologists found ashes from one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history during excavations some 270 kilometers away in an ancient city that has developed to become Turkey's third largest. Source: Daily Sabah
June 4, 2018
Wall collapses in ancient pool in Pamukkale
A concrete wall around the Hierapolis Ancient Pool collapsed due to heavy rain in Pamukkale, famous for its white travertines in the western Turkish province of Denizli. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
June 5, 2018
Excavations continue in ancient Magarsus
The ancient city of Magarsus, which was unearthed during archaeological works in the southern province of Adana, will shed light on history once excavations are completed. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Millennia-old artifacts missing from museum in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa
An ancient animal figurine and stone stamp seal, both several millennia old, have gone missing from the care of Şanlıurfa Museum Directorate in southeast Turkey. Source: Daily Sabah
June 13, 2018
Historical Yarımburgaz caves abandoned in Istanbul
The Yarımburgaz caves, where the first people settled in Istanbul 400,000 years ago, have been abandoned. The caves, which have been destroyed during TV series and film shootings over many years, are now shelters for substance addicts. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Troy treasures to be displayed in new museum
The Culture and Tourism Ministry has decided to transfer historical Troy artifacts to the Troy Museum, which is set to open in the northwestern province of Çanakkale in August. A large number of Troy artifacts will therefore be transferred from four museums in Turkey to the new museum. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
June 19, 2018
Seljuk bath restored in the city of gladiators
A 700-year-old Seljuk hamam, a traditional Turkish bath, in the ancient city of Stratonikeia in the Yatağan district of Muğla has been restored to its original state. Source: Daily Sabah
June 21, 2018
New regulation imposes ‘Turkish majority crew’ rule for archeological excavations
According to a new regulation, 51 percent of archeological excavation teams led by foreign crews should consist of Turkish nationals. The purpose of this new regulation is to train more Turkish archeologists. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
June 22, 2018
Ancient domes to boost tourism in Turkey's Erzurum
The restoration of Üç Kümbetler (Three Domes) and the construction of 13 boutique hotels are continuing in an area of historical buildings in the Yakutiye district of Erzurum province. Source: Daily Sabah
June 23, 2018
Sagalassos expects 50,000 visitors
The ancient city of Sagalassos in the Mediterranean province of Burdur’s Ağlasun district is expecting to welcome 50,000 visitors this year. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
June 26, 2018
Excavations will begin in Ordu’s Kurul Castle
An allocation of 90,000 Turkish Liras have been given for this year’s archaeological excavations in the Kurul Castle in the northern Turkish province of Ordu, said Ordu Culture and Tourism Director Uğur Topalak. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
