A 1500-year-old shipwreck has been found off the shores of Ayvalik in Turkiye’s Balikesir province, as part of the efforts conducted under the ‘Turkish Shipwreck Inventory Project: Blue Heritage’, which aims to record and preserve the nation’s underwater cultural heritage.
The astonishing discovery was possible due to the use of high-tech equipment and domestically designed robotic underwater vehicles, per Harun Özdaş, the director of the Underwater Research Center (SUDEMER) at Dokuz Eylül University.
The underwater mapping of the Ayvalik region was also conducted under the supervision of Ozdas.
The shipwreck which lies 2.5 miles off the Ayvalik coast was found by Nilhan Kızıldağ, the deputy director of SUDEMER and her team. It has been dated to the 5th century A.D., based on preliminary findings.
It is being called the largest plate shipwreck ever found in the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas since 10,000 plates and ceramics have been found.
Given its location in open waters, the shipwreck is quite well-preserved and sheds light on the ancient maritime trade in the region.
Ozdas said that the ship probably sailed from North Africa or Cyprus to Istanbul however it sank in a storm. It is 15 m long and 9 m broad and carried amphorae and plates.
Till today, it was known that ceramics made in North Africa, Egypt, and Syria were shipped to Anatolia, Greece and Italy however there were no clear findings to prove the maritime trade, until now, Ozdas added.
The wreck is a significant find with its rich and diverse collection, per researchers.
This untouched wreck is “significant,” offering a “rich and diverse collection,” added Ozdas.
Ozdas also said, “In our 30 years of underwater research in Turkish waters, finding such wealth is a source of great happiness for us.”
The shipwreck has remained untouched and is well preserved, which makes it more special. The quantity and variety of artefacts represent a fabulous collection.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism was informed of the findings and per Ozdas, the discovery is substantial enough to warrant the creation of a museum dedicated to the shipwreck.
References: Daily Sabah, AA News
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