Prisoners working on excavations of ancient city’s mosaics in Black Sea region

KARABÜK - Anadolu Agency

Ten prisoners come to the the ancient city every day for helping the excavations. AA photo

Prisoners in the Black Sea province of Karabük’s Eskipazar district are working on excavations at the ancient city of Hadrinaupolis, which is known as the “Zeugma of the Black Sea” thanks to its mosaics.

As part of a protocol signed between the Eskipazar District Governor’s Office and the Eskipazar Penal Institution, 10 prisoners, who come to the ancient city every morning under the escort of two guards, conduct excavations during business hours to earn money. The head of the excavations is Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University Archaeology Department Professor Vedat Keleş.

Archaeologist Ersin Çelikbaş said they were very pleased with the prisoners. “Ten prisoners are working here every day. Now they are working to close the roof of the Church B. The church, which dates back to the early Byzantine era, should be protected. It is home very precious mosaics. We are pleased with them and they are also pleased to be working for us.”

The ancient city is expected to become a Christian pilgrimage center when the work is done.

January/25/2014 Hüüriyet daily  news