Enhancing a gift from the past

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 11/15/2023 - 15:56

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia

I have often pondered upon the thought that the establishment of a visitor centre and museum, displaying artefacts recovered from the Temple of Apollo, and the adjacent area, would be a significant complement to the magnificent landmark(s) of ancient Didyma. As of now, the antiquities from the Didyma environment have been dispersed far and wide, though some remain at the nearby Miletus Museum.

Close up of the Emperor Hadrian inscription near the Temple of Apollo in Didyma

Perceptions in a state of flux

Submitted by Iza on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 16:13

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia

The cultural barometer has changed. Whereas there was an age when archaeologists excavated and shipped exquisite artefacts from strange far-flung shores for the edification and delight of the, primarily, middle class viewing public of Europe; few of whom, if any, could ever visit those lands. The weather vane has decidedly swung in the opposite direction.

Europe is, rather harshly, now viewed as a thief. One could quite easily perceive these nations as protectors, even rescuers. Initially, this importation of ancient artefacts was considered as educational and enlightening, though it rather ignored the fact that the works of art being shipped were not morally their property. Not that that would have shaken an Imperialist's viewpoint, in their arrogance exuding an air of superiority.

Bronze furniture fitting of a winged human-headed bull, originally inlaid and gilded, the late 8th century BCE, Urartian, from Toprakkale, east Turkey, now in the British Museum in London

Stirrings in the Didim undergrowth

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 12:35

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia.

As I have previously explained, the discipline of archaeology entails a destructive element. It is inevitable that by removing artefacts from the ground, level by level, from their long interred resting place the most cautious professional shall endeavour to plot and log every minutia of detail. It is a laborious task, but one, nonetheless, that is imperative. Unlike the treasure hunters whom have no qualms about blustering in with a JCB excavator, leaving in their wake utter carnage.

Though now I feel we are, ironically, facing another and an altogether different dilemma in revealing the hidden secrets of ancient Didyma. I shall not name names or individual establishments, for that may create a friction which is unnecessary. Civil conversation is more amiable and amicable.

The Perils of Restoring Ancient Architecture with Modern Materials

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 17:13

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia. All photos by Graeme Patrick Houlden.

The eminently laudable desire in restoring ancient architecture is an endeavour that seeks to preserve our human cultural heritage while exhibiting the architectural grandeur of previous civilizations.

Nonetheless, extreme caution in the use of modern materials in this restoration process must be of paramount attention in this aspiration. For, inevitably, this use of contemporary materials raises concerns about the potential perils faced by these historic structures.

The theatre at Kaş - undoubtedly the worst case of reconstruction

Scratching a name for oneself

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 08/30/2023 - 08:14

Text by our correspondent from Didyma, Glenn Maffia.

The, relatively, recent news of a man etching his and his girlfriend's names, "Ivan + Hayley '23", into a wall of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum in Rome caused much indignation across the world. Mainly, I suspect, due to the sheer ignorance exhibited by the perpetrator when he claimed that he "did not realise it (the Colosseum) was so old".

The utter lack of education so prevalent today is a discussion for another time, but this miscreant is far from being original in his actions.