Ancient castle under threat of quarry

Archaeological excavations that have been carried out in the 2,300-year-old Kurul Castle in the Black Sea province of Ordu have unearthed the 2,100-year-old the Kybele Statue, as well as three other big statues and other 2,000 historical artifacts. While excavations still continue on the top of the castle, which is a first degree archaeological and natural site, dynamites are used for a quarry in the lower side.

Historical rock tombs and caves have been destroyed because of the dynamite explosions despite the Samsun Council of Monuments' report that "it is not appropriate to open an andesite quarry in the area," and the Council of State's decision to cancel the establishment of the quarry.

Excavations were initiated in 2010 at the 2,300-year-old Kurul Castle, dating back to the 6th Mithridates period and located within the borders of the Bayadı neighborhood in Altınordu district.

Under the leadership of Ordu Museum Directorate, a team of 40 people including Gazi University faculty member Professor Yücel Şenyurt and 25 archaeologists have found the Mother Goddess Kybele statue, three other big sculptures and some 2,000 pieces of historical artifacts.

Also during the excavations in the castle, which is a first degree archaeological and natural site, an approximately 300-step staircase, terracotta roof tiles and masonry ceramic pieces, which are considered to belong to the periods before Christ, were also unearthed.

While an application was made for the castle to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, the archaeological excavations were suspended during to the winter period.

Among the most important historical artifacts found in the castle were the statue of the 200-kg Mother Goddess...