A Glimpse into Pamphylia’s Higher Site
“Perge, a remarkable archaeological site situated 17 km east of Antalya Centrum, is often hailed as ‘the higher site’ of Pamphylia. This open-air museum, steeped in history, unfolds its treasures behind a captivating Hellenistic gate. The remnants include a 250-meter street adorned with columns, an agora (shopping center), a triumphal arch, a monumental fountain, a graveyard, a basilica, a bath, a 12,000-seat theater, and Anatolia’s best-preserved stadium. Notably, statues unearthed in Perge, now showcased in the Antalya Museum, contribute to making it one of ‘the richest Roman statue museums globally Unlocking Adana’s Tourism Potential.’
The Symbolic Columned Street and Hellenistic Gate
The iconic Columned Street, stretching 250 meters, and the Hellenistic Gate with a round tower stand out as the crowning jewels of Perge. Through the Foundation of Developing Cultural Consciousness, a campaign has been initiated to re-erect the columns, symbolizing a collective effort to restore this grand avenue. Donations, amounting to 500 million TL for slightly damaged columns and 1 billion TL for heavily damaged ones, have led to the restoration of 15 columns to date. The Antalya Chamber of Guides has further supported this cause through the ‘Save a Mosaic’ campaign, contributing 1 billion TL to mosaic preservation Customized Istanbul Tours.
Ongoing Excavations and Restoration Efforts
Q: Could you share insights into the current progress of Perge Excavations?
Prof. Dr. Haluk Abbasoglu
Certainly, ongoing excavations at Perge are a testament to the dedicated efforts of our archaeological team. We are focused on uncovering new layers of history, shedding light on Perge’s role in Pamphylian civilization. Restoration endeavors, especially with the Columned Street, have seen significant success due to generous public contributions. The collaboration with organizations like the Antalya Chamber of Guides underscores the community’s commitment to preserving Perge’s cultural heritage. The continuous support and donations play a pivotal role in sustaining our exploration and conservation initiatives.
