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Istanbul, European Capital of Culture

Istanbul, which is one of the three capitals of the European Capital of Culture for 2010, embraces both Europe and Asia with its unique geography.

Istanbul has four basic geographical characteristic. On the shores of the Golden Horn lie the Old Istanbul and Galata. There are numerous settlements along the shores of the Sea of Marmara which encloses both sides of the Bosporus. The Old city is encircled by a 22 km long city wall and spread over the seven Hills of Istanbul which is located in the area within the wall.

Istanbul is a large, crowded and a magnificent city. It is the only city in the world where a sea passes through the city. All through the history, Istanbul attracted the attention of all societies due to its unprecedented characteristics.

By time Istanbul’s strategic importance increased and it became a large trade center. For centuries numerous tribes settled in the city which was appealing for many reasons. The city gained value as different civilizations settled in the lands.

Istanbul for that reason stands as an archeological treasure with all its surrounding and sea.

As an example of the underground treasures of the city, Maltepe Küçükyal? site -a settlement on the Anatolian side- which includes a monastery dating back to 9th century-Byzantine period, is planned to be converted into an Archeological Park.

First surface researches in Küçükyal? started in 1995 in the area around the Ç?nar Mosque district. Excavations were carried out by a group of archeologists led by Italian Professor Alessandra Ricci, director of Koç University Anatolian Civilizations Research Center.

Actually the site which covers an area of 3,600 square meters including a cistern and a monastery in it was determined 150 years ago by the German researchers.

Various settlements were seen in the region after 1980s with urbanization. In 1988 the Ç?nar Mosque was built on the area which delayed the start of excavation works.

The project, prepared with the cooperation of the Tourism and Culture Ministry, Istanbul Archeology Museum and the Koç University Anatolian Civilizations Research Center, received the Architectures Chamber Turkey Architecture Award.

The project, named "Küçükyal? Archeological Site," was later promoted with a meeting in Istanbul’s Sepetçiler Kasr? Pavilion.

One of the 2010 Istanbul European Capital of Culture Agency’s projects aims to open a public archeological park. The site with the only remaining Byzantine monastery in Istanbul will host cultural activities once it is completed.

For this purpose scientific studies will be realized in the area and tourism and educational workshops will be organized that envisage the participation of the citizens.

Alessandra Ricci, who coordinates the excavations, said she first came across the information about the site in Küççükyal? in Senmavi Erice’s books. She says that she took a photo from the book and reached the site in Küçükyal? after walking all the streets.

Some researchers claim that the archeological site in Küçükyal? was built by Emperor Theofilos and may be the Byzantium Palace. Research and studies done between 2001 and 2004 claim that the area is home to the Satyros Monastery built by Patriarch Ignatius between the years 860 and 877.

Ricci said that they found the cistern in 2002 and started rehabilitation work only after they informed the eight young people who lived there. Ricci said they opened the excavation site to the neighborhoods’ residents to organize cultural events to raise awareness. She said they shared the findings with them by opening exhibitions.

Ricci said the archeological sites will be protected with a green path that will surround the research area. There will be a culture center, kiosk, exhibition center, workshop areas and a fountain constructed around the historic cistern.

The excavation team unveiled the monastery and now they are working on uncovering the tower.

Declared a greenfield by the Maltepe Municipality in 2001 the cleaning of the cistern inside the site was supported by the municipality. With the allowance of the Tourism and Culture Ministry, iron gates were installed to protect the area.

For the archeologists, studies, researches and activities at the site were not enough. That’s why they wanted it to be a public site, so more people could visit.

Ricci said the archeological sites will be protected with a green path that will surround the research area.

After the project is successfully completed the site, covering an area of 11,500 square meters will be home to tours and culture activities.

In Istanbul it is quite usual to come across historical findings in the center of the city. But Küçükyal? excavations have a significant importance for the Anatolian side of the city.

It seems as Istanbul will shed light to our past in the future.

SOURCE: TRT WORLD

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