The ‘Zeugma of the Black Sea,’ Hadrianopolis, hosted approximately 15,000 people in 5 days

The ancient city of Hadrianopolis in the district of Eskipazar in Karabuk, known as the ‘Mosaic of the Black Sea’, hosted approximately 15,000 visitors during the first 5 days of the Eid al-Adha. Historical ruins unearthed in Hadrianopolis Ancient City, which was used as a settlement in the Late Chalcolithic, Roman, and Early Byzantine periods, attract the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists. The ancient city, estimated to have been established in the 1st century BC and used until the 8th century AD, experiences liveliness during the Eid al-Adha. Visitors, who have the opportunity to spend time intertwined with history and nature, are mostly drawn to the mosaics in the Roman Bath, which are protected against external factors by being covered with a glass terrace. Begum Demir, who came from Cankiri to Karabuk to visit Hadrianopolis, said, ‘Having such an ancient city in our vicinity made us happy. We wanted to come and see it as a family. It is wonderful that such a value has been added, both for the district, us, and the country. We are exploring every place with our son, where there are brown signs indicating east-west, north-south. My husband and I are graduates of art history. We want to develop ourselves both in terms of our interests and professionally. We are also instilling this in our child because it is very valuable. It needs to be passed down to future generations. Future generations need to know these cultural heritages.’ Speaking to Ihlas News Agency (IHA) reporter, Deputy Excavation Director Sinan Ekinci stated that approximately 15,000 people visited Hadrianopolis during the first 5 days of the holiday. Ekinci, who said, ‘Excavations are ongoing in certain points in Hadrianopolis Ancient City; work will start after the holiday,’ added, ‘In the meantime, visitors coming here during the holiday can take guided tours in open exhibition areas. A project aimed at protecting the mosaics in the Roman Bath with glass covers has become a popular spot for visitors and received appreciation. Another point opened to visits in the ancient city is a structure called the Late Roman Residence. A roof project was carried out for the residence. It was also opened to visits along with walking paths.’ Ekinci, stating that work is underway for Hadrianopolis to become a historical site, said, ‘Our welcoming center project is nearing completion. This is a project financed and designed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When this project is completed, the welcoming center will have units such as a souvenir shop, mosque, restroom, cafeteria. This way, our visiting guests will be able to explore the ancient city more comfortably.’