Expropriation works almost finished for historic theater İZMİR – DHA

A Roman theater, stuck in between shanty towns in the Aegean province of İzmir’s Kadifekale, is being expropriated for nearly 12 million Turkish liras with plans to unearth its fascinating 16,000-person capacity.

It is believed that the theater, where the second century Christian bishop of İzmir St. Polycarp was killed, would be a great center for the world of Christianity.

İzmir, known as Smyrna in ancient times, has hosted various civilizations in its 8,500-year-old history. The province’s municipality has so far paid 11.889 million liras for expropriation works to resurface the ancient Roman Theater.

The decision to expropriate has been made by the municipality over 164 parcels on an area of 12,974 square meters. So far, the municipality has purchased the land title over an area of 11,894 square meters.

Archaeological works to unearth the theater are being carried out within a protocol between the municipality and the Culture and Tourism Ministry. Works have been put on hold for some time but will commence again soon.

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