Researchers working at Stratonikeia in the southwestern province of Muğla have discovered a 1,675-year-old church following recent excavations, according to the leader of the dig.
“We found a church made in 325 A.D., and we discovered that this church was destroyed and made again from the ruins,” said Bilal Söğüt, a scholar at Pamukkale University Archaeology Department in the nearby province of Denizli. “We plan to reveal the details of the church as soon as possible and then we will open it to public view.” In addition to the church, recent excavations in the area have unearthed a number of archaeological treasures, including a 2,500-year-old sewage system, an ancient theater and ancient houses.
“Whenever we visit Stratonikeia, we discover more ancient artifacts in this area,” said Muğla Mayor Fatih Şahin.
The church, which lies on the right side of the entrance to the ancient city, is one of the oldest in the area.
The mayor also said the area should be presented as best as possible. “We have a cultural project titled ‘Culture Road,’” he said, adding that the road started at the area’s Belen Cafe and ended at Stratonikeia.
The municipality aims to bring this project to fruition as soon as possible. “Many civilizations lived in this area, and we want to showcase this area as a hub of ancient civilizations,” Şahin said. The municipality will also pursue a separate tourism and culture project to protect the ancient city of Stratonikeia, the mayor said.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News [August 10, 2011]
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| Excavations have been continuing at the ancient city Stratonikeia in the Turkish province of Muğla [Credit: AA] |
“Whenever we visit Stratonikeia, we discover more ancient artifacts in this area,” said Muğla Mayor Fatih Şahin.
The church, which lies on the right side of the entrance to the ancient city, is one of the oldest in the area.
The mayor also said the area should be presented as best as possible. “We have a cultural project titled ‘Culture Road,’” he said, adding that the road started at the area’s Belen Cafe and ended at Stratonikeia.
The municipality aims to bring this project to fruition as soon as possible. “Many civilizations lived in this area, and we want to showcase this area as a hub of ancient civilizations,” Şahin said. The municipality will also pursue a separate tourism and culture project to protect the ancient city of Stratonikeia, the mayor said.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News [August 10, 2011]