Illegal excavations carried out in Hadrianopolis

Illegal excavations carried out in Eskipazar, a district of the Black Sea province of Karabük, have caused damage to historical artifacts, Assistant Professor Vedat Keleş from Atatürk University's department of archaeology has said. 

Excavations at ancient Hadrianapolis [Credit: Web]

Keleş, who leads an ongoing restoration in Eskipazar's ancient town of Hadrianopolis, said they cannot prevent the illegal excavations. “Illegal excavations do not happen only there; they occur in Anatolia, as well. We have to protect the historical artifacts found in the previous digs while making restorations in the town, so a security system must be provided,” continued Keleş. 

A team consisting of 40 members is continuing the restoration in Hadrianopolis. The town was reportedly constructed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. 

“We believe that Hadrianopolis was a site of pilgrimage. If we prove that it was a real pilgrimage destination, the town will be an important place for tourism,” added Keleş. 

Noting that two of his students, who have been participating in the restoration, will discuss the town at an upcoming symposium in Italy, Keleş emphasized the importance of advertising the town for tourists. 

Source: Todays Zaman [August 26, 2012]