5 February 2010 / TODAY’S ZAMAN, İSTANBUL
A great number of artifacts that are under water in Hasankeyf, located in the southeastern province of Batman, will be removed for exhibition in museums and other cultural purposes, Cultural Heritage and Museums General Director Ökkaş Dağlıoğlu said on Wednesday.
Dağlıoğlu, speaking to the Anatolia news agency, stated that some artifacts would be salvaged from the water, while others that are unable to be removed due to their weight would remain there following restoration. “Artifacts slated for restoration will be packed in nylon bags so as not to allow any water or damage from the air and will consequently be preserved for future generations.” The construction of Ilısu Dam, which officially began in 2006, dramatically altered the local landscape and led to the partial submersion of the ancient city of Hasankeyf.Underlining that submerged artifacts are among the best preserved as there are fewer risks, such as theft, Dağlıoğlu said: “We have authorized teams to work under water for approximately one year. Artifactvs will be examined by these teams, and then it will be determined how many of them can easily be removed. Some of them will be salvaged from under the water for cultural purposes such as museum exhibition, but some will remain in place for future generations.”
Hasankeyf is an ancient city dating back 10,000 years and is regarded as one of the richest historical and archeological sites in Turkey.
