Black Sea's Zeugma to be archeological site

The ancient city of Hadrianopolis, estimated to have been used as a settlement area in late Hellenistic, Rome and early Byzantine times, will become an archeological site.

Located at some three kilometers east of Turkey's Black Sea province of Karabük, the site is also called "Zeugma of the Black Sea," due to its similarity with Zeugma mosaics in southeastern province of Gaziantep.

Karabük Governorate had applied to the Culture and Tourism Ministry, requesting that Hadrianopolis Ancient City be recognized as an archeological site.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said he supports the plea that the ancient city to be transformed into an archeological site.

Ersin Çelikbaş -- an archeologist, also an academic at Karabuk University -- said: "If Hadrianopolis gains the status of an archeological site, it is certain that it will be one of the most significant tourist attractions in the region."

Excavations started under the supervision of Çelikbaş in 2003 based on different archeological eras detected through current findings.

Until now, surface excavations in Hadrianopolis uncovered two baths, two church structures, one defense structure, tombs, an amphitheater, one arch and dome structure, monumental cultic niche, city walls and various edifices in 14 different parts of the entire excavation site.

Animals such as horses, elephants, panthers and a gryphon -- a mythological creature -- are depicted on the mosaics, which have brought the city its reputation.

Also, the excavations uncovered skeletons in rock tombs, ancient coins, hairpins made of bones, a unguentarium -- teardrop bottle -- and a tomb dating back to the 2nd century, as well as a 1,800-year-old votive plaque.

Portable findings of...