Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Medieval Anatolia added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 16:30

Intricately carved wooden column capital of Eşrefoğlu Mosque in Beyşehir

The second entry to the Turkish World Heritage Sites made in 2023, after the ancient site of Gordion, are the wooden mosques of medieval Anatolia. The property consists of five mosques built in Anatolia between the late 13th and mid-14th centuries. They are located in five different provinces of present-day Turkey. These mosques have an exterior built of masonry and multiple rows of wooden interior columns that support a flat wooden ceiling and roof. The masterful woodcarving and handiwork used in these mosques' architectural fittings and furnishings are also noteworthy.

Gordion enters UNESCO World Heritage List

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 08:10

The latest announcement by the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee brought the great news for Turkey, as the ancient site of Gordion has just entered the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the 20th site from this country on the prestigious List that marks the locations designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance.

Kaleköy (near Kiraz)

Submitted by Iza on Sun, 09/17/2023 - 09:26

The remains of the ancient settlement, which is now referred to as Kaleköy, or Castle Village, are situated in close proximity to the town of Kiraz in the Izmir Province of Turkey. A ruined gymnasium is the best preserved structure, which is incorrectly referred to as the castle by some residents.

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

August 2023 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Sat, 09/02/2023 - 14:10

August 2023 saw the final stages of the extensive landscaping restoration of 2,000-year-old Roman baths in Yozgat province. The renovations also continued in a Lycian settlement of Tlos where the ancient theater was prepared to host the performances in 2025. Meanwhile, the excavations at Tepecik Mound in Aydın province, located in the western part of Turkey, revealed a structure believed to have been used as a palace or temple in the 13th century BCE. Finally, in the excavations carried out in the ancient city of Olba, located in the Silifke district of Mersin, a female statue believed to belong to the 2nd century CE and two frieze fragments depicting mythological scenes were unearthed.

Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for August 2023. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!