Mine pits damage ancient city Labranda

Archaeological excavations have started in the ancient city of Labranda, located in the western province of Muğla’s Milas. Excavations in the ancient city were initiated in 1948 by Swedish academics. Now works are being carried out by Milas Museum Directorate officials.

Academics and workers from Colombia, the U.S., France, England, Sweden, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, India and Turkey are working for the excavations this year and the first ancient fountain, discovered in the ancient city last year, is being unearthed under the observation of Associate Professor Olivier Henry from the French Institute of Anatolian Studies.

Speaking about the project, Henry said it would continue in the Hellenistic memorial fountain, which was estimated to date back to the 4th century B.C., the Roman bath, andron (a historic building), the mausoleum and acropolis.

Henry also complained about the mine pits around the ancient city, saying they were damaging the city. He said one of the four mine pits in the area helped them and supported their work, but the other three damage the ancient city.

He said the trucks used in the mine were carrying feldspar metal and they had to breathe this metal during their work. “Also, dynamite used by the mine companies changed the parameters of the ancient city,” he said, adding he would organize a meeting in the coming days to the change the road that the trucks used for mining take.