ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEYS ON THE SHORES OF ANTALYA

The city of Antalya is located on the coast of the Eastern Mediterranean, on the northern shores of Anatolia.

The name of Antalya is derived from the city "Attalea," which was established by the Pergamum king Attalos II Philadelphus in 158 BC. Antalya has a rich history, from prehistoric periods to the present, with a remarkable number of archaeological settlements. There are many discovered and undiscovered shipwrecks and submerged settlements in Antalya. Underwater and coastal archaeological studies of the region demonstrate that this coastline also has a rich sea trade history, linking the cities of the region with other cultures.

Archaeological underwater surveys on the shores of Antalya Province have been ongoing since 2000. Similar to surveys performed in other provinces along the Mediterranean coasts, we have used sonar scanning, ROV, and aerial photography with marine drones, in addition to traditional underwater survey methods. A total of 211 ancient shipwrecks and various archaeological remains have been discovered. Extensive surveys have been conducted in Gazipaşa, Side, Alanya, Finike, Demre, Kaş, Adrasan, Kemer, Antalya Kaleiçi, and the Falezler region. The findings confirm the presence of extensive maritime activity in Lycia, Pamphylia, and the mountainous Cilicia regions, spanning from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman Period. Additionally, the discoveries include artifacts from almost every period, such as amphoras and anchors, which are vital for underwater archaeology and justify their protection and preservation for future generations. Our surveys along the shores of Antalya will continue in the coming years.