Archaeological excavations in Ilısu dam end as dam’s opening nears

SİİRT - Anadolu Agency

Exploration into the antiquity of Siirt’s Cattepe village in Turkey’s southeast have provided for valuable glimpses into the area’s colorful historical fabric, yet as part of the lead up to the opening of the Ilısu dam, where the archeological site is located, excavations have come to an end.

The last border castle of the late Roman era in the east could remain under water next year when the dam opens, according to officials. AA Photo

Excavations of an archaeological site located on the Ilısu dam construction site have ceased after four years of continuous efforts to unearth items significant to antiquity of the surrounding region, the closure coming in preparation for the official opening of the dam next year. A castle and a port that were deemed to have been built in the late Roman era were uncovered in the excavation, which were carried out in the southeastern province of Siirt’s Çattepe village, under the leadership of Ege University Faculty member, Ass. Prof. Haluk Sağlamtimur.

Artifacts found in the castle and port have been placed on display at museums in Mardin, Diyarbakır and Batman.

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