EXACAVATION OF SILLYON IN THE 2021 SEASON
According to a letter dated February 18, 2021, and issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, the excavation works at the Sillyon ancient city in Yanköy neighborhood of Serik district in Antalya province were approved to be carried out under the supervision of the Antalya Museum Directorate and the scientific coordination of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat TAŞKIRAN. The Sillyon excavation works for the year 2021 were conducted between March 31, 2021, and December 23, 2021. Additionally, the support provided by the agreement signed between the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums and the Turkish Historical Society Presidency (TTK) was extended for 12 months as per a letter dated December 1, 2020, numbered E-94949537-160.99-916301.
The excavation works carried out this year at Sillyon were at three different areas, namely Sacred Area A, Acropolis Street, and Residence I. Various applications were made in the city and its surroundings parallel to the excavation works. During the excavation works, along with drawing and inventory studies of ceramic and metal artifacts unearthed, restoration and conservation applications were also made. Moreover, three fragmentary pieces were detected in the city during the 2021 season, and epigraphic examinations of the artifacts were carried out.
Images from the excavation works of Sacred Area A.
As part of the Turkish-Islamic Period studies, eight houses scattered around the stadium and its surroundings, which were built in a haphazard manner, were identified in Sillyon ancient city, and their architectural features were analyzed and evaluated regarding the last use of the ancient city.
The external view of the house example. Ground plan of the House
As part of the Sillyon Ancient City Tourism Potential and Tourism Development Project, a SWOT analysis of the city was conducted in 2021. This analysis aimed to identify the city's strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats. The Sillyon Ancient City Monumental Structures Survey, Restitution, Restoration, Static, Electric, Mechanical, Landscape, Exhibition, and Arrangement Project has been awarded by Serik Municipality, and design work on the project is ongoing. As part of the Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Institution Sillyon Excavation Presidency Project, mapping of Sillyon and its surroundings, production of information signs for Sillyon and its surroundings, preparation of the preventive protection project for the Sillyon stadium, and implementation of the preventive protection project for the western wall of the Sillyon ancient city stadium have been carried out.
Information, Building, Directional, and Warning Signs Made in the Ancient City
Information, Building, Directional, and Warning Signs Made in the Ancient City
During the excavation period, various geophysical surveys were conducted to determine the groundwater level in the ancient city of Sillyon. Geological studies, which were initiated in 2018 during surface exploration with the aim of determining the unique geological structure of the city in detail, continue. Weed and pest control were carried out around the Stadion, Ottoman mosque, Ottoman fountain, Main City Gate, Roman Bath, Hellenistic Tower structures, and Nekropolis. In addition, leveling and stone cleaning works were carried out on the paths to allow visitors to easily navigate the structures. Previously opened illegal excavation pits have been closed in accordance with the decisions of the relevant authorities.
Before and after photos of general view from the south of the west wall of the stadium following weed cleaning.
Before the excavation work, the state of After the work, the appearance of the area.
the Nekropolis area.