Aspendos is being bequeathed to the future
The Press Launch of the Aspendos Legacy for the Future Project took place at the Aspendos Ancient City, among the world's most important cultural heritages, with the participation of the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Governor Hulusi Şahin.
The Press Launch of the Aspendos Legacy for the Future Project was held at the Aspendos Ancient Theater in the Serik district. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Governor Hulusi Şahin, Antalya Members of Parliament Kemal Çelik, Mustafa Köse, Serik District Governor Cemal Şahin, and relevant institution directors attended the launch.
Emphasizing the significant attraction of archaeological sites in Turkey, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy noted that only 2% of the excavation works have been completed since the start of excavations in Aspendos in 2013. He mentioned that the aqueducts and the ancient theater were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2015. Minister Ersoy said, 'These structures are notable works that embody the architectural and engineering practices under the Roman Empire, with features that even astonish contemporary people.'
"In 2023, it hosted 270,000 visitors."
Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who stated that the works in the ancient city would continue, said, "The ancient city hosted 270,000 visitors in 2023 and was among the most visited archaeological sites. Under the Aspendos Legacy for the Future Project, we will intensify excavation and restoration works in Aspendos. Initially, work will be carried out on the two-story shops and the stoa complex in the western part. Excavations will be conducted in the monumental fountain building, which is almost entirely standing today. This will emerge as one of the masterpieces of the ancient city."
Minister Ersoy, stating that they aim to complete excavation, restoration, and repair works in 30% of the ancient city in Aspendos in 4 years, said, "To achieve our goal, we allocate an initial fund of 1 billion liras. I wish the results we will achieve, the artifacts we will restore, to be beneficial to our country's culture and tourism life."
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Governor Hulusi Şahin toured the excavation area with the accompanying delegation and received information from the authorities about the ongoing works.