Cementing ancient truths, not a questionable future

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 04/04/2023 - 13:53

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia.

Native archaeologists appear to possess a particular predilection in rebuilding ancient sites. Probably at the behest of transient politicians whose belligerent insistence in procuring touristic revenues are in stark contrast to historical enquiry.

Contrary to perceived opinion, regularly espoused, I have absolutely no qualms about visitors arriving in this historically wealthy land, the crossroads of a multitude of civilisations.

The concrete restoration of Apollon Smintheion temple in Gülpınar

March 2023 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Sat, 04/01/2023 - 12:13

In March 2023, the news concerning archaeological activities in the area of Turkey was dominated, unsurprisingly, by the stories related to the February earthquakes that shook the south-east of the country. However, several important discoveries were also reported, including the new rock paintings from the prehistoric era found on Mount Latmos. Moreover, the Belgian archaeologists digging at the site of the ancient city of Sagalassos unearthed a most unusual burial. The burial was sealed with two dozen bricks and an additional layer of plaster. Topping everything off, around three dozen bent nails were sprinkled around the edges of the tomb, possibly as magic talismans meant to keep the deceased person trapped inside.

One month after the quake - cultural properties damage assessment

Submitted by Iza on Sun, 03/05/2023 - 12:51

Almost precisely one month has passed since the deadly series of earthquakes hit southeastern Turkey and north-western Syria. As we are writing, more than 52,000 deaths have been confirmed, including around 46,000 in Turkey alone. The terrible events that affected some 14 million people were accompanied by widespread destruction in the area. Below we will look at the effects of this earthquake on Turkey's historical heritage, including buildings and archaeological sites such as Arslantepe, Antakya Archaeological Museum, and Gaziantep Castle.

Monumental statues on Mount Nemrut - luckily undamaged by the recent earthquake

February 2023 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 03/01/2023 - 13:11

In February 2023, all other news from Turkey was overshadowed by the tragic earthquakes that shook southern and central parts of the country, as well as northern and western Syria. As we write, more than 51 thousand deaths have been confirmed, including more than 44 thousand people who perished in Turkey. The terrible loss of life, and the devastation that affected around 14 million people, was accompanied by widespread damage in the area. Below, you will find the links to many articles dealing with the damage to Turkey's historical heritage, including the historical sites and buildings, and archaeological sites, such as Arslantepe, Hatay Archaeology Museum, and Gaziantep Castle.

Malatya's New Mosque (Yeni Cami) - before it was almost completely destroyed by the 2023 earthquake

Ephesus finds in the British Museum

Submitted by Iza on Sun, 02/19/2023 - 14:06

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

The archaeological finds from Ephesus can be seen in different locations around the world. We have already shown you the Ephesian artefacts on display in the Ephesos Museum in Vienna. However, the earliest findings, excavated between 1867 and 1905, were taken to the British Museum in London. The person responsible for the British involvement in Ephesus was John Turtle Wood, who went to this area of the Ottoman Empire to design railway stations for Smyrna-Aydın railway. Before we show you the treasures from Ephesus in the British Museum collections, let us take a closer look at the history of the earliest archaeological research of this ancient city.