Archaeological Surface Survey Begins in Ancient Selinus City

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ) is launching a comprehensive archaeological surface survey in and around the Ancient City of Selinus. This significant project aims to illuminate the thousands of years of history of the region, tracing the traces of Anatolia’s ancient civilizations.

With the mission of contributing to the historical and cultural heritage of the region, ALKÜ is bringing this major project to life with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuna Akçay, Deputy Dean of ALKÜ Faculty of Tourism, the expert team will conduct meticulous work in the Ancient City of Selinus and an area of approximately 40 square kilometers.

In this comprehensive research, which will last for three years, state-of-the-art techniques such as archaeological surface surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) supported mapping, 3D modeling, lidar and laser scanning will be used. In addition, innovations in the field of digital archaeology will be integrated into the project, ensuring that the historical texture of the region is examined in the finest detail.

The research will cover a wide period, including the Anatolian indigenous peoples, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods of the Ancient City of Selinus. Ancient structures, epigraphic data, architectural remains and archaeological objects will be examined in detail, and new information about the region’s waterways, tomb structures, trade routes and military defense elements is expected to be obtained.

What Will Be the Contributions of the Project?

• Protection of Historical Heritage: The data obtained will provide important recommendations for the protection of the region and contribute to the transmission of archaeological heritage to future generations.
• Development of Cultural Tourism: The research results will reveal the cultural and historical potential of the region, supporting Gazipaşa to come to the fore more in terms of thematic cultural tourism.
• Scientific Publications and Projects: The data obtained will be reported and shared with scientific publications, laying the groundwork for the development of projects that will add value to the region.
• Digital Archive Will Be Created: By establishing a virtual universe in the field, gamification-documentation methods will also be projected, ensuring that these areas are transferred to future generations in the digital environment.

More than 50 expert academicians will participate in the project. In addition to Türkiye’s leading Seljuk experts, the Syedra Ancient City excavation team will also support the project.

ALKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan Ahmet Türkdoğan said, “As ALKÜ, we will continue to shed light on science and history. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this important project.”

Project President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuna Akçay said, “This project will be an important step for the protection and tourism of the archaeological heritage in Gazipaşa and its surroundings. We will delve into the historical depths of the region in the light of technology and science.”