May 2019 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Sat, 06/01/2019 - 10:39

The biggest news in May 2019 was the reopening of the famous Sümela Monastery in northern Turkey, after an extensive restoration. Moreover, Uzunyuva Monumental Tomb Archaeology Park in the western province of Muğla was also opened again. The roof of the Istanbul's major landmark - the Grand Bazaar was repaired. The archaeologists started the excavations in Blaundus and the Hittite hieroglyphs were unexpectedly found in a barn in Cappadocia.

The Temple of Apollo at Didyma by night

Submitted by Admin on Wed, 05/15/2019 - 14:21

I was recently fortunate enough to be invited into the Temple precinct by one of the archaeologists after the area was closed to the public. Deep into the reaches of night the entire ambience was transformed into a hauntingly beautiful spectacle. No sound from the lively nightlife of the surrounding cafés penetrated into precinct and my imagination took flight.

A hint of optimism

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 05/10/2019 - 08:55

My constant burrowing and delving around the ‘protected' Temple [of Apollo in Didyma] archaeological site was last week rewarded. Not with any visual find, but with a verbal one.

April 2019 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 05/01/2019 - 09:56

The hottest archaeological news from Turkey last month was the discovery of a Bronze Age shipwreck of the shores of southern Turkey's Antalya province. Another great news was the reopening of Sümela Monastery, announced for May.

The Mediterranean coast in Antalya Province

Edremit

Submitted by Iza on Thu, 04/11/2019 - 18:56

The town of Edremit administratively belongs to the Balıkesir Province. However, because of its location – on the Gulf of Edremit (tr. Edremit Körfezi), which marks the border of Biga Peninsula – it can be counted as one of the cities of the Troad. It is situated in the south-easternmost point of this region. The city bears the name derived from the ancient Adramyttion, but in fact, the ruins of this settlement are located further to the south, in Burhaniye. Edremit is a modern town, where it is difficult to find spectacular sights or tourist attractions. The importance of Edremit to the travellers results from its position at the crossroads of many significant roads. If you are travelling around the western part of Turkey, in Edremit you need to decide whether to go further south along the coast of the Aegean Sea, or turn east, deeper into Asia Minor.