Excavations start at Apollonia ad Rhyndacum in northwestern Turkey

Uludağ University (UÜ) Department of Archaeology aims to introduce Bursa's Gölyazı neighbourhood, which is also called "Little Venice," to tourism after the completion of the archaeological excavations currently being conducted in the region.

UÜ Vice Chancellor Professor Tevfik Yücedoğru and Secretary in general Professor İsmail Sağlam visited the excavation site and were briefed by Professor Mustafa Şahin of the Department of Archaeology about the ongoing archaeological work in Gölyazı. The university executives also observed the area from helicopter and received detailed information about the project.

Gölyazı is surrounded by city walls on three sides and stands out with its natural beauty and historical importance. The ancient city, which is located under modern residences, is named Apollonia ad Rhyndacum (Greek Apollōnía épì Ryndakō).

Although the ancient city was believed to have been established in the fifth century BC, recent studies show that the city was founded in the mid-second century BC. During the Byzantine period the city was called Theotokia.

This year's excavation season kicked off on Kız Ada in Lake Uluabat where an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo is located.

According to the early sketches of the ruins by French explorers M.P. Le Bas and S. Reinach in the 1800s, the temple on the island is one kilometer from the coast. No other document that survived to the present day shows any sign of a holy place other than the temple.

The UÜ Department of Archaeology has cleaned away the dense flora that covered the island, and after the project, the region is planned to be introduced to tourism, which will offer a new way to earn income for the fishermen who cannot work during the fishing ban.

Source: Daily Sabah [June 22, 2016]