Huge granite columns unearthed during ongoing excavations in the ancient city of Myra, one of the largest cities of the Lycian civilization in the southern province of Antalya’s Demre district, are being restored.
The head of the Myra-Andriake excavations, Professor Nevzat Çelik of Akdeniz University’s archaeology department, said that as part of the excavation work, they started working at the Myria Ancient Amphitheater, one of the largest and magnificent theaters In Lycia.
He said the team found and classified thousands of pieces of blocks unearthed in the stage of the theater, adding that six-meter granite columns on the first floor of theater had also been discovered. Çevik said they had finished the restoration of 13 columns so far.
“This number will reach 22. We are rehabilitating the architectural units of this monumental theater and prepare for the restoration that will start next year,” he said. “We want this theater to return to its magnificent days and contribute to the culture in the region like it did in the past.”
Çevik said each column weighed about 14 tons and added that their restoration would take less than two months. “When the restoration is done, the columns will be replaced in the theater.”
Source: Hurriyet Daily News [October 17, 2011]
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| Granite columns found during excavations in Myra have been restored [Credit: DHA] |
He said the team found and classified thousands of pieces of blocks unearthed in the stage of the theater, adding that six-meter granite columns on the first floor of theater had also been discovered. Çevik said they had finished the restoration of 13 columns so far.
“This number will reach 22. We are rehabilitating the architectural units of this monumental theater and prepare for the restoration that will start next year,” he said. “We want this theater to return to its magnificent days and contribute to the culture in the region like it did in the past.”
Çevik said each column weighed about 14 tons and added that their restoration would take less than two months. “When the restoration is done, the columns will be replaced in the theater.”
Source: Hurriyet Daily News [October 17, 2011]
