Important Contribution to Cultural Heritage from ALKÜ

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University made significant contributions to the workshop titled “From Its Beginning to Today: Antiochia Ad Cragum”.

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University has once again hosted an important workshop. In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Antalya Governorship, the University of Nebraska, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, and Kastamonu University, a workshop titled ‘From Its Beginning to Today: Antiochia Ad Cragum’ was organized in Gazipaşa, Antalya. At the Gazipaşa Cultural Center, which was open to the public, the developments of the ancient city from the start of the archaeological excavations in 2005 to the present day were discussed in detail.

“The work will continue at full speed”

In her opening speech at the workshop, Alanya Museum Director Seher Türkmen shared important studies and scientific data about the Antiochia Ad Cragum Ancient City, noting that the recent work conducted in the ancient city has reached significant dimensions and that the pace of work will accelerate moving forward.

Gazipaşa Mayor Mehmet Ali Yılmaz stated that they will continue to provide full support for the excavation work, emphasizing its importance for the national history and Gazipaşa culture.

Excavation Head Prof. Dr. Michael Hoff provided important information about the excavation, highlighting the historical significance of the works and artifacts unearthed. Hoff concluded his speech with a presentation on “An Overview of Antiochia Ad Cragum”.

The Deputy Head of the Excavation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nisa Yılmaz Erkovan from the ALKÜ Department of Architecture, gave a presentation titled “The Social/Public Center of the City: The Columned Street”, sharing prominent information about the city.

“An ancient work of this geography”

Prof. Dr. Oğuz Karahan, Vice-Rector of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, emphasized in his speech that the region has been a great treasure of history since ancient times, stating, “It is an honor to be here as a representative of a scientific center and the heir of this culture. Civilization and culture express the totality of a country’s or society’s material or spiritual assets, ideas, arts, sciences, and technological products. Civilization is limited to the values produced by a specific scientific community. However, civilization can be evaluated as the result of the contributions of human intellect, science, and technology over the thousands of years of development of these civilizations, and as a property of all humanity. Antiochia Ad Cragum is one of the ancient works of this geography. This city, named after King IV. Antiochus of Commagene, has witnessed the Byzantine and Roman periods. As our university, we express our gratitude to everyone involved in this workshop, especially our excavation head.”

Participants in the workshop included Gazipaşa Mayor Mehmet Ali Yılmaz, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Oğuz Karahan, Alanya Museum Director Seher Türkmen, Prof. Dr. Michael Hoff from the University of Nebraska, Prof. Dr. Birol Can from Uşak University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nisa Yılmaz Erkovan from the ALKÜ Department of Architecture, Asena Kızılarslanoğlu from the Archaeology Department of Kastamonu University, students, and citizens. After the workshop, questions and suggestions were discussed. The workshop concluded with a group family photo. After the workshop ended, a trip to the Antiochia Ad Cragum Ancient City was organized with the participation of Prof. Dr. Alaattin Kanoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture at ALKÜ, and academics.