History lies at bottom of Black Sea

Historical artifacts discovered during the first scientific underwater excavations in the Black Sea, carried out in Kerpe Bay, once again reveal the hidden cultural treasure of the region, known as "Kalpe" in history.

Kerpe, where dozens of historical artifacts dating back to the 4th century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. have been unearthed, will become an underwater archaeology park that will boost diving tourism with a project set to be completed this year.

Located in the Kandıra district of the northwestern province of Kocaeli, which opens to the Black Sea, Kepre is known for its fertile climate since the Hellenistic period. Also known as Kalpe, which means "bowl, pot, jug, or jar" in the Hellenic language, Kerpe has been a commercial center throughout its history.

Kerpe Bay, which was a port of call for ships during the Roman, Byzantine and Genoese periods, also met Istanbul's needs such as wood, coal and logs during the Ottoman era.

Having an active commercial life in its history, Kerpe has been undergoing underwater excavations since in 2020, as the majority of the breakwater ruins of the Ancient Kalpe Port are still under the water.

The work, carried out by the Kocaeli Museum Directorate, aroused great interest as the first scientific underwater excavation on the Black Sea coast of Türkiye.

The excavation team, which dived to reach the ruins scattered over an area of approximately 2,000 square meters, discovered traces of the past at a depth of 4 meters, 80 meters off the coast.

Dating back to the 4th century B.C. to the 12th century A.D., the artifacts underwater include two breakwater fragments from the ancient port and many amphora remains.

These works are being presented to history lovers in an...