Türkiye shines in underwater archaeology as tourism minister explores world’s oldest shipwreck
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy dived to the Kumluca Middle Bronze Age Shipwreck, known as the world's oldest identified wreck, and explored sites where underwater sarcophagi were discovered, as part of the "Legacy for the Future" project, Antalya, Türkiye, September 2, 2024 (AA Photo)
In a groundbreaking dive, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy explored the world’s oldest trade shipwreck dating back 3,600 years, located off the coast of Kumluca, Antalya.
The minister also examined ancient underwater sarcophagi at the site, highlighting Türkiye’s rising prominence in underwater archaeology.
Türkiye sets standard in underwater archaeology
Türkiye’s leadership in underwater archaeology has been reinforced by this latest dive, part of the “Legacy for the Future” project.
Minister Ersoy, accompanied by underwater documentary filmmaker and director of photography Tahsin Ceylan, Akdeniz University’s Associate professor Hakan Oniz, and a dedicated dive team, plunged into the depths where history meets the blue and green hues of the Mediterranean.
At a depth of nearly 50 meters, the minister inspected excavation works on the 3,600-year-old shipwreck, which contained ancient copper ingots.
Following this, Ersoy and his team explored an underwater site 300 meters away, where a collection of sarcophagi was discovered.
Türkiye poised to lead in global underwater archaeological tourism
In a statement to Anadolu Agency (AA), Minister Ersoy emphasized the unparalleled richness of Türkiye’s coastline in terms of cultural assets.
“With the invaluable contributions of our scholars, Türkiye has become a global leader in underwater archaeology. We now must support these efforts with necessary budgets and ensure that our leadership continues to grow,” Ersoy maintained.
He also expressed enthusiasm for the future, announcing plans to expedite the establishment of the Underwater Archaeology Museum in Kemer.
This museum will be an essential hub for showcasing the treasures discovered during these underwater excavations.
Expanding Türkiye’s underwater archaeological sites
Minister Ersoy further explained that Türkiye is set to conduct a nationwide survey of all underwater archaeological sites, aiming to expand the number of recognized dive spots for both tourism and research.
“We have already identified several key sites, and scientific research will guide the expansion of dive tourism. The underwater sarcophagi we explored today, for instance, could easily become a significant draw for divers,” he added.
Diving into the future: Türkiye’s potential as a diving tourism hub
Highlighting the importance of product diversity for extending the tourism season, Ersoy noted that advancements in diving gear enable underwater exploration even during low seasons.
“Türkiye has immense potential in this area. Our focus is now on mapping these sites, and we will work towards making them accessible for diving tourism,” he said.
Tahsin Ceylan, who led the dive with Minister Ersoy, emphasized the significance of these discoveries for Türkiye’s dive tourism sector.
