BARÜ is reviving the region's most important monumental structure with new discoveries
Yayın Tarihi : 24/11/2024
The most important monumental structure of the Black Sea Region, dating back 2 thousand years, is being unearthed in the works carried out by Bartın University (BARÜ) in the Ancient City of Amastris.
A 2,000-year-old structure is being rebuilt in the ancient city of Amastris in the Amasra district of Bartın, with work carried out under the presidency of Bartın University (BARU) Faculty of Letters academician Prof. Dr. Fatma Bağdatlı Çam. In the rescue excavation of 2,850 square meters in the ancient city of Amastris, the Stoa structure from the Roman period, which was destroyed as a result of natural disasters, draws attention with its marble columns reaching 9 meters in height. The structure, built in the Corinthian Order, is being rebuilt in accordance with the original with meticulous work carried out using original parts.
The studies are carried out with the participation of volunteers and academic staff and students from Istanbul University, Denizli Pamukkale University, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey University and Malatya Inonu University, together with BARÜ.
The Most Significant Monumental Structure of the Black Sea Region
The excavations of the ancient city of Amastris are being carried out with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, and with the support of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). Architectural components of the structure, most of which remains underground, including epistyle and sima blocks, ceiling coffers, and other elements, are being unearthed after months of intensive work.
As a result of the ongoing efforts, three columns have been re-erected through the application of anastylosis, utilizing original architectural pieces of the structure. Once the bases of these columns, which are the tallest monumental marble structures in the Black Sea Region at 5.27 meters, are mounted and their capitals placed, their height will reach an impressive 9 meters. The restoration of this magnificent structure, which spans a vast area and is thought to be a Roman stoa, aims to establish it as a significant tourism destination.
Discovery of a New Ancient Settlement
The region, annexed to the Ottoman Empire in 1461 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, continues to reveal its rich history from ancient times through ongoing excavations. Prof. Dr. Fatma Bağdatlı Çam, discussing the discoveries in the area, noted that they have uncovered a new section that appears to be a continuation of the existing structure.
Bağdatlı Çam said:“Through the rescue excavations initiated in 2022, we continue to obtain important findings related to the structure. Most recently, during the excavations, a new structure to the west of the stoa, extending southward, was identified. It has been determined that this new structure, located to the west, serves as a continuation of the stoa with its architectural features and represents the agora of the ancient city of Amastris, surrounded by stoa structures. We are deeply grateful to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Orhan Uzun, and all our stakeholders who have supported the Amastris excavations and contributed to the development of our region.”
First Coin of Emperor Hadrian Found in the Excavations
Prof. Dr. Bağdatlı Çam emphasized that the excavations are adding further value to Amasra with new findings related to the region's history:“During these excavations, coins, a marble lion-head gargoyle, terracotta fragments, and numerous ceramic artifacts have been discovered. Among the findings, the coin of Emperor Probus, a Roman silver coin, stands out. However, our most significant discovery is a coin of Emperor Hadrian, minted in honour of his third consulship. This marks the first coin of Hadrian unearthed during the excavations at Amastris, making it an extremely valuable find.”
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