June 2021 in Turkish archaeology

Many archaeological digs were carried out in June 2021, including the ones in Metropolis where four interconnected cisterns and a 1,800-year-old statue of a woman were unearthed. Also, the archaeologists and conservationists finished restoring the northern city gate of Stratonikeia. Moreover, the restoration of the cult statues of ancient Claros was announced.

Cult statues at Claros
Cult statues at Claros

Enez Castle

The castle in Enez, ancient Ainos, is located on a hill which is the highest point in the area, called the acropolis in the ancient times. In its heyday, the entire top of the hill was surrounded by high defensive walls. Access to the fortress was provided by two arched gates - located on the eastern and northern sides.

Enez Castle
Enez Castle

Malabadi Bridge

Malabadi Bridge is a 12th-century stone pointed-arch bridge spanning the Batman River, decorated with human, sun, and lion reliefs. The bridge is situated near the town called Silvan, Diyarbakır Province, in south-eastern Anatolia. It is one of the most famous historical heritage bridges of Anatolia and as such it was inscribed in the Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Turkey in 2016.

Malabadi Bridge
Malabadi Bridge

May 2021 in Turkish archaeology

May 2021 saw the realization many excavation projects in Turkey, including the ones in Troy, Aizanoi, and Kadıkalesi. Moreover, the historic town of Kemaliye in Erzincan Province and the Late Antique and Medieval churches and monasteries of Midyat in the southeastern province of Mardin were added to the UNESCO's Tentative list of World Heritage.

Monastery of Mor Gabriel in Midyat Province
Monastery of Mor Gabriel in Midyat Province

Harbour of Ephesus

The harbour quarter of Ephesus is located to the south of the Church of Mary. The harbour itself silted up a long time ago and is now a small lake, although there are some plans of the Turkish authorities to make it functional again. The revitalisation of the harbour means that it would be possible to sail into the ancient city once again. However, these plans are very vague at the moment and the area is not accessible to visitors.

This text is a fragment of a guidebook to Ephesus: "The Secrets of Ephesus".

Middle Harbour Gate fragments, Ephesos Museum, Vienna
Middle Harbour Gate fragments, Ephesos Museum, Vienna

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