Three Hellenistic period tombs in the necropolis area of the ancient Myndos will be buried under an asphalt road. Head of the excavations, Professor Mustafa Şahin reacts against the decision

The construction of an asphalt road in Bodrum’s Gümüşlük district in the western province of Muğla caused negative reactions because the road will pass over three 2,200-year-old tombs from the Hellenistic period in the ancient city of Myndos.

The tombs will be buried under the asphalt road, having received the permission of the General Directorate of Cultural and Natural Heritage.

A new road was proposed
A new main road was proposed to the Gümüşlük Municipality for Turgutreis-Gümüşlük-Yalıkavak line. When the construction was finished this year, salvage excavations were carried out under the direction of the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum and with the consultation of Şahin. Ceramic cups, jewelry and skeletons were uncovered and put under protection.

The first road, which turned out to be illegal because of the ancient tombs, was also closed. But the municipality applied to the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum and the General Directorate of Cultural and Natural Heritage although the new road was two-kilometer shorter than the first one and had lesser bends.

Professor cannot believe the decision
Şahin, who has been heading excavations in the ancient Myndos for six years, said he could not believe the directorate’s decision. He said, “These tombs, which date back to 2,200 years ago are priceless.

Also, we know there are more tombs in this area. These excavations were set to continue next year. I have not received an official document about this decision. When I get it, I will write my report on the protection of tombs and continue excavations because the road passes over ancient artifacts. I don’t want to believe that the directorate made such a decision,”

 

Source Hurriyet

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