There is an international effort going on for the saving of a very important archaeological site in Turkey. It concerns the Roman complex of baths, a well known sanative centre at Allianoi, close to ancient Pergamos, which is in danger of disappearing due to the rising waters of a new irrigation dam at the Giortanli area.

Allianoi is a very big archeological site, of around 50 quarters of an acre of which only the 20% has been excavated. It is about a spa settlement with a sanctuary, bath facilities, several buildings, fountains, stone bridges, sidewalks and laboratories that were built in the 2nd centrury A.C. by the emperor Andriano. The importance of the site is also due to the unique preservation of the buildings which several times reaches up to the second floor.

Turkish archeologists, citizens, as well as the international reaction from ΙCOMOS, Europa Nostra and the European Association of Archaeologists have delayed the beginning of the project. Solutions for the preservation of Allianoi have been suggested, however the area’s future is still uncertain.

You can all sign for the saving of Allianoi on the ICOMOS website, and on the Europa Nostra website.

MOnuMENTA