Urla to host underwater Archeopark
- On 23/02/2009
- In Parks & Protected Sites
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From Hurriyet Daily News
The world’s second underwater "Archeopark" will be created in İzmir’s Karaburun district by the 360 Degree Historical Research Foundation, Ankara University and İzmir Underwater Foundation.
A ship prepared in Urla within the Mordoğan Yapay Resif Projesi will be sunk in Mordoğan at the end of the month. This will create a platform for the study of underwater archaeology, and contribute to the development of diving tourism.
"The sinking in Mordoğan will be the second example in the world after that in Kaş," archaeologist Osman Erkurt said. "We think the underwater archeopark to be constructed here will be very important for scientific research. This project is being conducted with the contribution of Ankara University and the Urla and Mordoğan municipalities."
"As widely known, amateur divers are not allowed to conduct research on ancient sunken ships. This will facilitate these divers to widen their field of specialization," said Professor Hayat Erkanal, chairman of Limantepe Excavations.
"The Mordoğan district is very important for excavations. Erkanal is struggling to make people conscious of our history by revealing our historical values so they can understand its importance.
We, as the local authorities, will cooperate in this pursuit," said M. Selçuk Karaosmanoğlu, Urla mayor.
"We initiated this important project to attract amateur divers around İzmir to this district. We aim to turn our district into an underground center and publicize this value to the whole world," explained Mordoğan Mayor Ahmet Çakır.
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