February 2017 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 15:00

Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for February 2017. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!

Tarsus Museum

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 02/27/2017 - 11:39

Tarsus Museum is an attractive venue that combines, as it often happens in Turkish museums, archaeological and ethnographic sections. The museum boasts more than 35,000 exhibits in its collections, of which the vast majority are antique coins. In addition, the museum collections contain more than 5,000 archaeological artifacts, 1.5 thousand ethnographic objects, and six historical manuscripts. Moreover, Tarsus Museum supervises ten archaeological sites, five nature reserves and conservation areas, and more than two hundred historical buildings, of religious, military, and civilian character. The most famous of them is probably the St. Paul's Well, located in the centre of Tarsus.

Antioch of Pisidia

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 02/22/2017 - 15:04

Antioch of Pisidia is one of these archaeological sites that enchant visitors with their glorious past. At the same time, Antiochia has a quiet and peaceful ambience, free of the hustle and bustle, characteristic of more famous ancient cities of Asia Minor, such as Ephesus. The extensive ruins of the ancient city are located at an altitude of over a thousand meters above sea level, near the modern town of Yalvaç. Travellers interested in the geography of the New Testament often visit Antioch as a place closely associated with the missionary activity of Saint Paul.

News from the Temple of Apollo in Didyma

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 02/14/2017 - 08:22

Recently, Turkish Archaeological News has got in touch with Glenn Maffia who is the columnist for Voices Newspaper. His main research interest is the Temple of Apollo in Didyma and its surroundings. Here's a letter Glenn has sent to TAN portal, along with an excellent Apollo Temple Guide brochure that everyone can download - just click on the link below.

Sultan Mausoleums near Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 11:29

Probably almost everyone who visited Istanbul as a tourist used an opportunity to see the extraordinary building of Hagia Sophia. It's the most famous historical monument not only in Istanbul but also in Turkey. In 2015, it was visited by nearly 3.5 million people. Meanwhile, the mausoleums of Ottoman Sultans, located just next door, seem to be a mysterious place, virtually unknown to foreign tourists. Perhaps not everyone is aware that these tombs of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire are open to visitors. According to information supplied by many guidebooks, these buildings are not available to the public. Moreover, there are no official opening hours displayed at the entrance, so it is easy to encounter a closed gate. However, if you are near Hagia Sophia and are interested in the history of the Ottoman dynasty, it is worth visiting these buildings, even if it means leaving empty-handed several times before succeeding.