Excavations underway in Mersin's ancient city of Diocaesarea

Archaeologists and researchers continue the process of excavations in Mersin’s ancient city Diocaesarea locted in Türkiye’s Mersin.

Speaking at a talk on “Uzuncaburc Standing Up” organized at the Icel Art Club about the ancient city of Diocaesarea and Uzuncaburc, excavation Head Professor Umit Aydinoglu provided insight about the ongoing work in the region.

Mersin University Faculty Member professor Umit Aydinoglu, explaining the excavation and landscaping works in Uzuncaburc Ancient City, said: “On the one hand, we are trying to manage the archaeological area. On the other hand, we are trying to manage the environment in which it is located, if we can create a model together, it will become one of the most important models of Türkiye and Europe.”

Aydinoglu highlighted that they started excavations in the region in 2020. He explained the projects they prepared to start excavations and the process they went through.

Pointing out that although Mersin is not as well known as Antalya, Mugla and Izmir, Aydinoglu emphasized that Mersin is rich in cultural heritage.

Stating that the Kanlidivane Ancient City in Erdemli district was scattered like the current diocaesarea ancient city in the past, Aydinoglu said: “As a university, we conducted excavations and experimental archaeology there. We made four olive oil presses usable. We made walking paths and signage work. There is a sightseeing park, many artifacts, a viewing terrace and information.”

“When we put these in order, the city’s name is recognized. Everyone who goes there writes us a message saying how beautiful it is. Uzuncaburc will be heard in Europe in the next five years as a superior model of Kanlidivane. The governorship and municipalities are also making big investments there. We should all embrace this,” he said.