Publications
Patara'yı Korumak
Urbanization poses significant threats to the ecological and cultural integrity of Patara, a critical nesting site for endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation strategies that balance development with the preservation of natural and historical values, including the region's inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage Lists. It highlights the effectiveness of legal frameworks such as the Patara Special Environmental Protection Area Management Plan and the Gelemiş Conservation Plan in mitigating illegal constructions. By analyzing current challenges and proposing solutions aligned with national and international conservation laws, this research provides a blueprint for sustainable protection of Patara's unique biodiversity and historical legacy.
ArchXant: Archaeological and Epigraphic Research in Digital Humanities Era
A new virtual reconstruction of the Nereid Monument at Xanthos-Letoon, one of the most famous structures from the Lycian period, has been proposed based on a critical reassessment of historical reconstructions. Utilizing advanced 3D technologies and photogrammetric data, researchers evaluated past reconstructions—including those from the 19th century—and identified inaccuracies or issues in their publication. This innovative approach, supported by the French government’s IdEx program, combines architectural analysis with interactive educational tools to enhance public accessibility and scholarly understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chapter 4. Geomorphological dynamics and the occupancy of the Letoon shrine (Xanthos plain, Turkey) during the last 5000 years
Research at the Letoon shrine, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Xanthos-Letoon in southwestern Anatolia, reveals significant geomorphological dynamics that have influenced human occupancy over the past 5000 years. The study demonstrates how changes in the deltaic plain of the Eşen Çayı River (anciently known as Xanthus) have shaped the landscape and affected the site's use by ancient civilizations. By analyzing sediment layers, archaeological remains, and environmental data, scientists reconstructed the evolution of the region, showing periods of stability and upheaval that correlated with human settlement patterns. This work provides a deeper understanding of how natural processes interact with cultural landscapes, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of past societies in response to environmental changes.
Palaeogeographical reconstruction and management challenges of an archaeological site listed by UNESCO: the case of the Letoon shrine in the Xanthos Plain (Turkey)
A palaeogeographical reconstruction of the Xanthos Plain, Turkey, reveals that the Letoon shrine was surrounded by a dynamic landscape dominated by lagoons and marshes, shaped by the gradual closure of a marine bay due to coastal spit formation. Sedimentary analysis identified a branch or former channel of the Eşen Çayı river near the shrine, providing new insights into its historical geography. The study integrates geomorphological data with historical, archaeological, and literary sources, addressing long-standing questions about the region's landscape during the first millennium BC. This research underscores the importance of palaeoenvironmental reconstructions in managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a framework to enhance their tourist potential while preserving archaeological integrity.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Xanthos-Letoon