ARCHAEOLOGICAL UNDERWATER SURVEY ON THE MEDITERRANEAN SHORES
The association aims to promote and develop scientific activities in the field of Mediterranean archaeology, protect and support the conservation of cultural heritage both on the coast and underwater, raise awareness about cultural heritage protection, support scientific excavations and research, and contribute to museum and archeopark projects in the region. It was established to assist scientists and organizations working in this field. The association was founded in Antalya by a group of archaeologists, businessmen, and tourism professionals.
Kumluca Shipwreck
Idyros Ancient City
Dana Island
Ottoman Shipwreck
Besmi Shipwreck
Hacıvatburnu Shipwreck
Underwater archaeological surveys along the coastline of Antalya, Mersin, Adana, and Hatay provinces have been ongoing since 2000 with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. These surveys were jointly conducted by the Mediterranean Civilizations Research Institute/Mediterranean Underwater Cultural Heritage Research Department team of Akdeniz University using the Archaeological Scientific Research and Excavation Ship (Arkeo).
In addition to numerous anchors and various other remains, a total of 282 shipwrecks were identified—211 along Antalya's coastline, 65 along Mersin's, 4 along Hatay's, and 2 along Adana's. Cultural heritage items, including wrecks and other archaeological artifacts, were discovered by exploring natural and man-made harbors, capes, shallow areas, and islets.
There are still unexplored areas along Türkiye's 1,577 km-long Mediterranean coastline. With advancements in technology, previously surveyed areas have been re-examined, leading to the discovery of new wrecks and remains that were previously unnoticed.
Charter of the Association (PDF)
