Tourism-Travel-Cultural-History News etc

[Attila the Hun]

Pamukkale's ancient city of Hierapolis Turkey's most visited archaeological site

Turkey's museums and archaeological sites drew significant numbers of tourists in 2015, reaching 30 million, recent statistics from the Cultural Heritage and Museums General Directorate show.

For archaeological sites, the Hierapolis of Phrygia, a major ancient city in the Aegean region placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List back in 1988, tops the list with around 1.8 million visitors. Situated in the modern-day province of Denizli, the ancient site with a Necropolis, Domitian Gate and a theater with reliefs illustrating Apollo and Artemis is within the town of Pamukkale, well-known for its hot springs.

The second-most visited site is Ephesus, another popular ancient site lying in the Western city of İzmir. The number of visitors coming to Ephesus is close to the Hierapolis with 1.7 million. A Roman-era area built in the 10th century, Ephesus is home to remarkable ancient artifacts as well as the Temple of Artemis along with an ancient church cited in the Book of Revelations.

The list goes on with Göreme, a natural-wonder town in the central Nevşehir province, where Cappadocia lies. Discovered in 2015, a massive underground city said to be a rival to the Derinkuyu underground city is another wonder, attracting researchers and tourists from all around the world.

The following most-visited archaeological sites in Turkey are the ancient city of Troy with its 4,000 years of history, the Derinkuyu underground city, 30 minutes from Göreme, and the Kaymaklı underground city, which is in Nevşehir. The list continuous with the Ihlara Valley in Aksaray, the Olympos ancient site in southern Antalya, the magnificent Aspendos ancient theater, a popular spot for performances and live shows, and finally the Sümela Monastery in northern Trabzon, a Greek Orthodox Monastery hailing from the fourth century that has undergone a thorough restoration recently.

Yalçın Kurt, the head of the directorate, said Turkey aims to become a major name in historic attractions with over 15,000 archaeological sites. So far, there are 193 museums registered in the directorate. Kurt said the ongoing excavations will help them to open more museums to bring more tourists to Turkey.

The Cultural Heritage and Museums General Directorate have also announced the most-visited museums in Turkey with the Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul's Sultanahmet Square coming first. The Hagia Sophia drew almost 3.5 million tourists in 2015. The Topkapı Palace, Konya Rumi Museum and the Topkapı Palace's Harem section shared the top three. The other most-visited museums are the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, the Republic Museum in Ankara, the Demre Museum in Antalya, the Hacıbektaş-ı Veli Museum in Nevşehir, the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara and the Chora Museum, which is adorned with fascinating frescoes in Istanbul.

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2...olis-turkeys-most-visited-archaeological-site

 

[Attila the Hun]

Old Christian center to be unearthed in Turkey’s south

Works have been initiated by Istanbul University in the ancient field of Aya Tekla, one of the oldest centers of Christianity.

The university will carry out a surface survey at the ancient site, located in the southern province of Mersin’s Silifke district.

During 10 days of work, a research group consisting of academics and post-graduate students will measure and photograph a cistern structure for the first time. They will also work on two other cisterns that were discovered in previous years.

The head of the research team, Umut Almaç, said their work would reveal the problems in protection and bring proposals for solutions to current issues.

“The data we obtain from this work will be reported to the ministry. We also plan to present a report during the 39th International Excavation Research and Archeometry Symposium in May 2017. We are seeking sponsors in order to have more people in the research team,” Almaç said.

Situated four kilometers from the Silifke center, the ancient site of Aya Tekla is known as one of the oldest and most important centers for Christianity. Tecla was a saint of the early Christian church and a follower of Paul the Apostle, himself from the nearby town of Tarsus, which has retained the same name since antiquity.

The cave where Tecla lived became a secret pilgrimage site for Christians until 312 A.D. when Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire. The cave was then turned into a church in the fourth century. The church and other buildings around such as the cistern and the ruins of city walls have drawn attention from tourists.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ol...outh.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106283&NewsCatID=375

 

[Attila the Hun]

Turkish ski resorts, mountain retreats welcome tourists this winter season

As snow begins to blanket mountaintops across Turkey, the skiing season is heating up to offer an array of exciting activities for winter sport lovers

Nestled between the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Turkey is a popular summer destination with a well-kept winter secret: Skiing. As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, Turkey's mountainous regions have begun to show signs of winter, with hilltops and peaks dusted in white snow. The eastern and western regions of Turkey are home to some of the best destinations for tourists and skiers alike this winter season, from picturesque ski slopes to sleepy mountain villages where cozy fireplaces provide a romantic atmosphere for honeymooners and lovebirds. With the winter ski season officially underway this month, we have compiled a list of the top destinations for skiing that will remain open until early March.

Pack your skiing gear and head to the mountains in Turkey for an experience you won't soon forget.

Kartepe Hill

Located east of Istanbul in the province of Kocaeli-İzmit, Kartepe Hill, or "Snow Hill" in Turkey, sits at an altitude of 1,640 meters and is home to İzmit's Kartepe Ski Center. Formally known as Keltepe or "Bald Hill," the winter destination was renamed to reflect its snowy conditions. Kartepe's ski season is open from the end of December until late February, offering a window of opportunity for tourists to enjoy its 14 natural ski tracks, three ski lifts and two teleskis.

Snow depths ranging between 80 and 200 centimeters offer ideal skiing conditions, while the Kartepe Ski Center also offers alternatives for non-skiers seeking a relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, as well as scenic views of the region's most beautiful forests feathered by hazelnut trees, large oaks and chestnut trees. Quiet walking trails are also available for those looking for a simple alternative to skiing.

Sarıkamış

Known for the rare crystallized snow on its ski routes, the northeastern town of Sarıkamış offers a scenic skiing destination surrounded by yellow pine forests that block the wind and provide optimal skiing conditions. Sarıkamış's ski season begins in December and lasts until April, making it the ski resort with the longest open season in the country. Despite the year-round sunny weather in Sarıkamış, there is no avalanche risk, making snowboarding and cross-country skiing the most widely preferred activities among Sarıkamış tourists. Three state-of-the art chair lifts and pistes spanning 12 kilometers are also featured here, making it a prime spot for professional skiers and history lovers who flock to the Sarıkamış Ski Center. Generally, the ski centers in Sarıkamış are situated between 2,100 and 2,634 meters above sea level with snowdrifts measuring 2 meters high. It is considered a perfect spot for beginners who wish to take skiing lessons.

Uludağ

Considering the recent rise in winter ski tourism across Turkey, one of the oldest winter resorts is Uludağ or "Great Mountain" located in the northwestern province of Bursa. Despite being an older resort, Uludağ is regarded as the most popular resort in the country and is very crowded during winter. Two main skiing zones and 14 lifts are located throughout the hills of Uludağ, while the pistes in the Uludağ Ski Center measure about 20 kilometers in length with separate areas for snowboarding and heli-skiing. What makes Uludağ popular is both its proximity to Istanbul and its vivid nightlife still bustling on harsh winter nights. It is where many of Istanbul's young glitterati choose to spend their winter days as well. The best time to go skiing in Uludağ begins at the end of December and ends in late March. If you intend to see Turkey's oldest, biggest and most popular ski resort, remember that it is nearly impossible to book a room, especially on weekends, making advanced booking a must.

Mount Palandöken

Located in the eastern Anatolian city of Erzurum, Mount Palandöken is home to the Palandöken Skiing Center, sitting on Turkey's highest peak at an altitude of 3,125 meters. With its light powdery snow and cold weather conditions, Palandöken is the best skiing destination for skilled skiers, featuring steep slopes and trails stretching 12 kilometers in length atop snowdrifts with a depth of 2-3 meters. The ski center in Palandöken has the longest and most perpendicular tracks in Turkey. There are 22 tracks in Palandöken Ski Center divided by level of difficulty, including eight easy tracks, eight intermediate tracks, two advanced tracks and four road tracks. Additionally, two of those tracks have been registered as Olympic tracks. The Palandöken Ski Center is acknowledged as one of the best ski resorts in Turkey and hosts many international winter sport championships and competitions.

http://www.dailysabah.com/travel/20...-retreats-welcome-tourists-this-winter-season

 

[Attila the Hun]

2,200 year-old Paphlogonian burial chamber discovered in Turkey

Archaeologists in Turkey's northern Kastamonu province have discovered a 2,200-year-old ancient burial chamber belonging to the Paphlagonian era, the first of its kind found in the area.

Excavations in the area have reportedly been launched in 2015 in Kastamonu's Daday district, after authorities were notified about treasure hunters digging in the area, Associate Professor Şahin Yıldırım from Bartın University who teaches archaeology and works as an advisor for the project, told the Anadolu Agency.

Yıldırım noted that the excavations are being led by Kastamonu Museum Directorate.

The burial chamber, which has a 22-meter diameter and is 5 meters in height, has various tomb stones, all of which are separately numbered. Iron clasps were reportedly used to attach the tomb stones and lead was melted in between to ensure the stones survive natural disasters.

"Each stone is uniquely different from each other" Yıldırım said, and continued by noting that the stones, which were lifted by cranes, weigh as much as between 800 kilograms to 8.5 tons.

"It is the first time we have encountered such a burial chamber from the Paphlogonian era" Yıldırım said, adding that it is thought to belong to an aristocrat from the 2nd century BC.

He also said that the burial chamber resembles tumuli used by Romans in Italy, and noted that the burial chamber was damaged during excavations carried out by treasure hunters.

Fieldwork around the burial chamber has reportedly been completed and archaeologists will now carry out restoration work, landscaping, and exhibition projects to promote the region's history.

Ancient burial chambers and tumuli are frequently found throughout Turkey, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history.

Paphlogonia is considered to be one of the most ancient civilizations to have lived in Anatolia and Paphlogonians had cooperated with Trojans during the Trojan War around 1,200 BC. The term is also used to refer to an area in Turkey's Black Sea coast.

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2...hlogonian-burial-chamber-discovered-in-turkey

 

[Attila the Hun]

World's oldest temple to be nominated for Heritage List

Turkey will nominate Göbeklitepe, branded the world's oldest temple, for the UNESCO World Heritage List. As a well-preserved site in southeastern Turkey, it will be the 16th inclusion from the country on the list, if admitted

Göbeklitepe, a set of ancient structures labeled as the world's oldest temple, will be nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Turkey plans to present its nomination to the international body in February, in addition to other historical sites, aiming to boost their preservation.

Situated in present-day Şanlıurfa province in southeastern Turkey, Göbeklitepe will be the 17th site in Turkey to be included in the list if its nomination is accepted. The historic site includes a Neolithic settlement that was discovered in 1963.

Characterized as "ground zero for human history," Göbeklitepe stands out among other archaeological sites, dating back 12,000 years, circa 10,000 B.C. Excavations at the site were launched in 1995 by German Professor Klaus Schmidt, who brought to life the previously-unearthed finds that have long caused a stir among academics.

Completed with the support of the German Archaeological Institute, the excavation's first archaeological finds in Göbeklitepe have already shed light on the history of humankind, revealing that the installations erected in the site were not for domestic use, but mostly for ritual or religious purposes.

Subsequently, it has become clear that Göbeklitepe consists of not just one, but many historic eras. Further examinations revealed that there are at least 20 stone installations erected at this site, which archaeologists refer to as a temple. The archaeological site features carved stones ornamented with animal figures and 12,000-year-old T-shaped columns, all of which are older than the agrarian age or even the invention of pottery.

Prior to the archaeological discoveries in Göbeklitepe, academic circles believed that man began to build temples after adopting a sedentary life and leaving his hunter-gatherer practices; however, Göbeklitepe, which was built by hunter-gatherer communities before they even began to practice agriculture, completely changed this entire school of thought.

According to UNESCO, Göbeklitepe was the meeting center of the last hunters before humans switched to a lifestyle based on agriculture.

"Göbeklitepe is a unique sacred space and sacred meeting center of the Neolithic period in terms of its location, dimensions, dating and monumentality of architectural ruins and sculptural pieces. There are settlement areas dating back to the same period with Göbeklitepe and the existence of a cultural communication can be detected through small findings, but these settlements are much smaller in scale and have functions different from Göbeklitepe, which manifests a differing archaeological record," an article on UNESCO's website on Göbeklitepe says.

The site is also one of the earliest examples of establishment of an advanced social system as monuments, sacred spaces and symbolic motifs indicate. Unlike previous sacred sites, ritual places mostly included in natural formations such as caves, Göbeklitepe stands out with larger and smaller rectangular structures built by manpower. Historians and archaeologists believe the structures such as pillars represent "ancestors or gods" in the Neolithic age.

Turkey had already submitted a previous UNESCO list application for the inclusion of another historic site this year when the committee convened in Istanbul in July to designate new additions. Aphrodisias, an Ancient Greek city located in the present-day western province of Aydın, that houses ruins of a temple, a stadium and other structures, is already a tentative World Heritage list candidate, along with 69 other historic sites, including an Ottoman-era complex in the northwestern province of Edirne and an ancient city founded in the fourth century B.C. in the western city of Burdur.

http://www.dailysabah.com/nation/2016/11/18/worlds-oldest-temple-to-be-nominated-for-heritage-list

 

[Attila the Hun]

Minister Avcı: Aizonai in line to become the next Ephesus

Minister Avcı said that the ancient city of Aizonai has the best Zeus temple still standing worldwide in terms of size and quality, saying, “The ancient city of Aizanoi is an archaeological site that is in line to become the next Ephesus.”


Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avcı made on-site examinations in the ancient city of Aizonai located in Kütahya's Çavdarhisar district.

Nabi Avcı said that the ancient city of Aizonai has the best Zeus temple still standing worldwide in terms of size and quality, saying, "The ancient city of Aizanoi is an archaeological site that is in line to become the next Ephesus. We, as the Ministry, will do our best in order to promote the ongoing works in the region along with various activities in the coming period."

Stressing that the ancient city is of grave importance due to it being the first place where a stock exchange was established in the world, Minister Avcı said construction had started in the region after the 1st century A.D., pointing out that this historical structure is an exceptional piece of art and that it also has a well-preserved storey underneath, which might have been used as an ancient theater or a concert hall. Recalling that there is also an ancient stadium and theater in the region with many traces belonging to Turks, Avcı said therefore, the Ancient City of Aizonai is a historically important archaeological site that has hosted many civilizations in the past, deserves to be included in the World Heritage List, and was registered in the Temporary List by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2012.

Indicating that what is currently seen in the region has been unearthed during the excavation works conducted so far, Avcı said they have been discovered in the places available for excavation, recalling that a settlement spread over a wide area is in question in this region since there were no multi-layered settlements under the conditions of that period. "They will hopefully come to the light in time. Unfortunately, we do not know the area well and also cannot promote it to the outside," Avcı said, adding that this place is really worth being a very serious touristic attraction center with an effective promotion.

Minister Avcı said the ancient city of Aizanoi is an archaeological site that is in line for being the next Ephesus and the Culture Ministry will do its best in order to promote the ongoing excavation works in the region along with various activities in the coming period.

Avcı informed that when the excavation season starts, an event will be held in May to promote the ancient city to the whole world with a symphonic concert. After wishing happiness to the bride and groom who came to the ancient city for a photo shoot and posing for a souvenir photo, Minister Avcı later joined the opening ceremony of a library in the district of Gediz.

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2...ci-aizonai-in-line-to-become-the-next-ephesus

 

[Attila the Hun]

Expats in Alanya get into Christmas spirit at annual bazaar

Serving seasonal products and traditional tastes, the annual Noel Bazaar in Antalya's Alanya district, home to around 45,000 foreign residents from numerous countries, will bring the Christmas spirit to town next week on Dec. 4.

The preparations for the bazaar's 7th edition have already started. Expats will open stalls at the bazaar and bring their culinary tastes and traditional Christmas products to the delight of foreign and local visitors. They will give out samples of local food as well as hand-made crafts.

There will be musical shows and several activities for children. The income generated from the bazaar will be spent for people with disabilities in Alanya.

There will be Nordic, Finnish, Danish and Polish residents participating, as well as members of associations representing Lithuanians, Germans and Russian Orthodox people. The expat population gives the town the honor of having the highest proportion of foreign-born residents in Turkey.

Abdullah Karaoğlu, the president of the foreigners' council, said expats in Alanya respect and share Turkey's religious and traditional festive days.

"In turn, we celebrate their religious festivals together and support them to improve our relations," he noted.

International and Turkish non governmental organizations are also expected to join the bazaar. Open to the public and organized by the foreigners council of the Alanya municipality, the free event will start at 10 a.m. and end at 8 p.m.

http://www.dailysabah.com/religion/...ya-get-into-christmas-spirit-at-annual-bazaar

@MarkusS @EgyptianAmerican Muslims and Christians get on so well.

 

[Attila the Hun]

Turkey's first endangered rhino Samir finally unites with rhino Komala from the UK

Turkey's first Indian rhinoceros, Samir, has finally been united with his new mate, Komala the rhino from the U.K.

Weighing 2.4 tons, 8-year-old Samir had been waiting for a year at the Darıca Faruk Yalçın Zoo Park in northwestern Kocaeli province to meet his female partner, Komala.

The zoo has prepared a 3,220-square meter open area for the both of them, but for now each rhino will stay in their own designated areas so that they can get accustomed to each other.

After living with her mother at the Chester Zoo for three years, Komala was finally ready to go to her new home.

Komala's arrival was originally planned for April or May 2016.

Komala, whose Indian name means delicate, has been described as quite restless and 'a little bruiser'.

Stating that Komala's arrival had been much easier than Samir's, the zoo said that she was first flown via a cargo plane to the Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul and then transferred to the zoo in a private vehicle.

Samir had been brought in from the Edinburgh Zoo, on December 1, 2015. After a week-long journey, he had arrived at his new home in the Darıca Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanic Park.

Yücel Yılmaz, the manager of the zoo, had last year said that rhinos like Samir were endangered and considered very precious by poachers due to their horns. These rhinos are different from other kinds of rhinos for their armor-like skin and having one horn only.

Indian rhinos are the second largest species of rhinoceros. They generally live in northern India and Nepal. Their lifespan is generally 40 years. Known for being excellent swimmers, they can also run up to 40km/h. There are only around 3,000 of them left in the wild and therefore are classified as endangered.

http://www.dailysabah.com/environme...-finally-unites-with-rhino-komala-from-the-uk
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Awwwwwww

 

[Attila the Hun]

Madame Tussauds opens in Istanbul

The world’s most famous wax museum, Madame Tussauds, is set to open a branch on Istanbul’s İstiklal Avenue on Nov. 28.

At a press conference before the official opening, Sarper Hilmi Suner, the General Director of Legoland Discovery Center and Madame Tussauds in Istanbul, said the museum featured wax figures with a history going back 250 years.

“Merlin Entertainment Group operates the world’s largest entertainment center, and we made three big investments in the last three years; the Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center and now the Madame Tussauds in Istanbul,” Suner said.

“Before bringing it to Turkey, we asked people ‘Which artists do you want to see the most? Which figure would make you the happiest?’ Then we examined the answers carefully. Finally we drew up a list and later got in touch with the famous figures who were still alive, and the heirs or relatives of those who have passed away. After that we got to work,” he added.

The museum will include the wax sculptures of 55 famous figures from Turkey and around the world. Local figures include Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Rumi, Barış Manço, Adile Naşit, Süleyman the Magnificent, Mehmed the Conqueror, Sinan the Architect, Sabiha Gökçen, Arda Turan, Hidayet Türkoğlu, Beren Saat, Kerem Bursin and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, while the international stars include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Audrey Hepburn, Beyonce, Rihanna, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Marilyn Monroe and Muhammed Ali.

“Taking photographs for the sculptures’ design takes a very long time and it is difficult work. Around 350 photos are taken. Lots of details are taken into account when photographing, such as eye color, finger size and fingerprints. It takes a lot of effort. These photographs are developed in our studios in London. I am proud that we have a very committed Turkish sculptor who works with an international company as well as sculptors from other countries. We are trying to create identical figures,” Suner said.

Sculptors traveled to Konya for Rumi

Suner said that because of the museum’s international 250-year history, they were able to access many archives and information on deceased figures to feature. They also traveled to the Central Anatolian province of Konya to research the 13th century Sufi poet Rumi.

“There were some interpretations of Rumi’s body size. We had nothing but a few miniatures of him. After we conducted extensive research, we got hold of some resources and used them as a base. Of course, the most important thing here was to feel him while making his sculpture. So our team went to Konya. His 22nd generation grandchildren Esin Bayru and Faruk Hemdem Çelebi helped our team a great deal. Our team watched a Whirling Dervish performance and visited Rumi’s shrine. They tried to capture the soul of this place and as a result, produced an extraordinary figure,” he added.

“To give the faces aesthetics, they are made out of wax. The bodies are made of fiberglass material to make them long-lasting. A 3D mask and other measurements are taken as a base and a kiln bust is created ... Then it turns into wax, and we work on the hair and eyebrows, which are created with real hair,” Sumer said regarding the wax-making process.

Some of the figures take up to eight months to create, depending on their features, he also said.

“Süleyman the Magnificent’s sculpture took seven to eight months. It is all about details. These were made in our London studio, where Turkish sculptors made great contributions,” Sumer added.

The new museum in Istanbul will be open to visitors on Nov. 28.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ma...bul-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106516&NewsCatID=385

 

[Attila the Hun]

881-year-old historic hammam to be restored in Kayseri

A 881-year-old historic hammam in the city of Kayseri in central Anatolia is to be restored and opened to visitors.

Located in the Gülük neighborhood of Melikgazi district, the bath was built in 1135 during the Seljuq dynasty and later restored in 1210 by Elti Hatun during the Danishmend dynasty.

The Gülük hamam is one of the most important historical structures in the region of Melikgazi.

Melikgazi District Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç stated that the hammam will be brought back to social life in a short time.

Restoration will be carried out in accordance with the original structure and put into use for the people of Melikgazi and Kayseri, after the project goes through bidding procedures.

"We aim to preserve this cultural heritage by turning it into a spa center like in the past", said Mayor Büyükkılıç.

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/11/24/881-year-old-historic-hammam-to-be-restored-in-kayseri

 

[Attila the Hun]

The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium turns into an archeopark

An archeopark will be built in the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium, also known as the "Ephesus of the Black Sea Region", as part of the the East Marmara Development Agency (MARKA) supported "East Marmara Ancient City Project" According to a statement by the Düzce municipality, who proposed the project, works for the construction of the archeopark began in the Konuralp neighborhood. The ancient city area is also home to an ancient theater with stairs with lion paw carvings, archways, aqueducts and a Roman bridge.

The works are coordinated by the Düzce municipality and the park will have an area of about two thousand square meters with lots of sitting and resting areas.

Within the "East Marmara Ancient City Project", which has a budget of 1.215,000 Turkish liras, an "Open Air Museum" will be built and the number of guesthouses in the region will be increased.

The aim of the project is to offer a visual observation area for tourists, in order to feature Konuralp's tourism potential by preserving the historical, natural and cultural heritage in the region.

A Tourism Information Office will also be built in the archeopark.

The "East Marmara Ancient City Project" is to be completed by 2018.

http://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2...of-prusias-ad-hypium-turns-into-an-archeopark

 

[Attila the Hun]

Archaeologists dig out pieces of ancient Anatolian city-state of Melid

The first established city-state in Anatolia, Melid, continues to shed light on ancient Anatolian history with its adobe palace, ancient relics, including swords and spears, and a temple erected 5,500 years ago. Ancient woodcuts with raised printed surfaces and ancient fresco or mural paintings still vibrant with color that has defied the ages have also been discovered in the area

Located in the eastern Anatolian province of Malatya, Melid is home to the very first city-state of Anatolia and continues to mirror the rich history and culture of ancient Anatolian lands. Erected on the western shores of the Euphrates River, Melid is one of several historical sites that have embodied mankind for thousands of years, forming its legacy on the agriculture, wetlands and geographic positioning of the city protecting locals from Euphrates floods for centuries.


Hidden behind traces of several civilizations including the Hittites, Roman and Byzantine empires, archaeologists have found various artifacts dating back to 5,000 B.C., from the late Chalcolithic Age to the Iron Age.

Excavations at the ancient site have unearthed a mound from the late Hittite Period featuring the sculpture of a king at its entrance as well as lion sculptures, an adobe palace featuring a rain drainage line and infrastructural remains of Anatolia's first city-state that was established with more than 2,0000 seals belonging to this state. Melid bears the traces of early state structure in murals that featured colorful figures representing power and processed printing reliefs. Moreover, archaeologists were able to discover pottery reminiscent of ancient Mesopotamian discoveries.

The mound where archaeologists discovered metal artifacts made of lead, silver and gold displays the first type of weapon used, including a total of 12 spears and nine swords, discovered during excavations.

Melid was first excavated by a French team of archaeologists in the 1930s. Currently, excavations of the ancient site where numerous ancient artifacts have already been discovered are carried out by an Italian team of archaeologists led by Professor Marcella Frangipane from the Sapienza University of Rome.

This year's excavations focused on two different parts of the mound, where archaeologists unearthed the pieces of a juniper tree, small temples and ancient objects used for storage. The excavation team also discovered a huge city wall in the northeastern part of the mound. Archaeologists determined that the wall, which is 4 meters high and 5 meters thick, was built on a stone foundation and the city walls also featured store terraces.

The team discovered artifacts and ceramics from the Iron Age near the city walls and unearthed an ivory plate from the era featuring drawings of animals such as a deer, lion, lamb and goat. The plate shares similarities with Mesopotamian-style art and is believed to shed light on the commercial links between Melid and Mesopotamia.

Battalgazi Municipality Mayor Selahattin Gürkan spoke to an Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent and said the artifacts discovered during the Melid excavations have unearthed important information about the first state structure ever established by mankind, as well as the transition from the Neolithic Age to the Iron Age, providing key information about how mankind began to use iron in weapon production. He also stressed that the adobe palace, known as the first warehouse system used in the ancient bureaucratic process, was discovered thanks to archaeologists in the Melid excavations.

Mayor Gürkan continued to say, "Melid is an ancient site and home to the first Anatolian civilization to feature a state structure. Information about domestic life, the transition from the Neolithic Age to the Iron Age and weapons made from iron." Stressing the fact that the mound dates back 7,000 years, Gürkan said: "The adobe city walls and some parts of the palace were unearthed during the previous excavations. The archaeologists previously focused on the palace; mainly its chambers. However, this year figures drawn in bones along with raised printing relief discovered on bones which include images of Hittite figures have been discovered. Melid is the center of ancient civilizations that established Anatolia as their homelands in ancient times. These findings are highly significant for the history of mankind. We continue to collaborate with our excavation team in order to introduce Melid to UNESCO's permanent World Heritage List."

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2...eces-of-ancient-anatolian-city-state-of-melid

 

[Attila the Hun]

Ancient Lydian city in Turkey needs meticulous study

Mesotimolos, a city from the Lydian civilization near Düzköy in Uşak's Eşme district, is about to be the subject of archeological studies.

Its rocky houses, graves and human footprints in its volcanic remains will be unearthed after scientific studies and will hopefully become a center for history and nature tourism thanks to its geographic beauty and fairy chimney formations.

Making on-site examinations in the region with Anadolu Agency, Uşak Governor Ahmet Okur said the region, which is known as the Kale region near Düzköy, has attracted attention as an important historical and geographical destination.

The carved houses and tombs in Mesotimolos can be seen in the valley surrounded by volcanic rocks while it is also possible to come across thousands-of-years-old human footprints in the volcanic remains of the region. Okur said, "This is an area that needs to be investigated and examined. There are many ruins belonging to ancient civilizations in the region, which are very valuable reminders that will be brought to the surface by scientific research. It is a historic area that has remained untouched."

Noting that the region has attracted attention thanks to its formation of fairy chimneys, Okur said they wanted to bring the region into a more prominent place in Turkish history and nature tourism. Stating that the archaeological work will make a significant contribution to the recognition of the region, Okur continued: "The formations of fairy chimneys are worth seeing. This is not a very well-known region. I invite all nature lovers to this beautiful hiking area. It is a region that needs to be recognized and visited." Suggesting that transportation to the region will be made easier, Okur said more visitors will come to the region with the increase in scientific studies, and stressed that due to its proximity to the Ulubey Canyons, its popularity can quickly increase.

Conducting soil analysis in the region, Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Atasoy from Uşak University, Faculty of Science and Literature, Department of Geography stated that the research they carried out in the field is ongoing, adding that the region is waiting to be discovered both geographically and historically.

Stressing that the age of the human footprints found in the volcanic remains in the field and presumed to be thousands of years old should be determined and the footprints immediately protected, Atasoy said: "We think the footprints belong to the years when the volcanic formation took place. There are similar volcanic structures in the Kula region. In the region, there are rock dwellings and tunnels that go to the valley. In this sense, it is a region with archaeological value. There are strong clues that it was an ancient settlement." He also stressed that a feasibility study should be conducted urgently, the ages of the formations should be determined, and a team of archaeologists should carry out work in the region.

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/11/11/ancient-lydian-city-in-turkey-needs-meticulous-study

 

[Attila the Hun]

With e-museum project Turkey's cultural wonders just a click away

Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry will expand the "Virtual Museum" project for a total of 376 museum and archaeological sites in 73 provinces. The "Virtual Museum" will allow people to take a tour in the museum with a 360-degree panoramic view and options to zoom in and out for detailed looking.

The practice will enable access to the museums and archaeological sites in Turkey for people around the world. The ministry will install software that will allow virtual touring at 30 museums and sites including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Ethnography Museum in Ankara, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the ancient city of Ephesus in İzmir and the ancient city of Gordion in Ankara, Cappadocia and the Sümela Monastery in Trabzon.

The Virtual Museum project has been initiated for certain sites and will soon be integrated to all museums and sites in Turkey. All "Virtual Museums" will be accessed via a link on the official website of the Culture and Tourism Ministry. The website will also offer visitors a chance to search the museums and sites they want to visit. The information on the artifacts displayed on the museums, those who contribute to the museums, announcements and latest news will also be featured on it.

Those who take the virtual tour via their computers will be able to leave comments on the E-Museum Visitor's Book and share their expectations and views on the Virtual Museum project. The Virtual Museum application is featured in the 2017 program of the government's culture program.

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2...ct-turkeys-cultural-wonders-just-a-click-away

 

[Pax Ottomana]

I wish we Turks were much better at marketing our rich culture and countless national treasures, and generally at simply explaining our point of view to the world. We suck at PR so much that it hurts us (financially) almost as bad as terror.

France is the world's #1 most visited country and all it's got is a rusting tower that's only a couple decades younger than WW1.

Turkey has 3000 years of diverse history, civilization and architecture at its disposal and we can't even break into the Top 5.