Archaeologists oppose highway project in southern Türkiye

The route of the highway project planned in the western districts of Antalya, Kaş and Demre, have caused controversy. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the highway project, which is to affect historical and natural areas such as Kekova, Myra, and Andriake Kaputaş Canyon rock tombs, states that more than 66,000 trees on the route will be cut down.

The negative effects of the new divided road project, which is set to cost approximately 2.165 billion Turkish Liras, on the natural and cultural heritage in the region is now a matter of debate. It was reported that the highway, which will start in Demre Beymelek, will pass through the ancient cities of Myra, Sura and Hoyran on its route, and will also negatively affect the protected natural areas between Kaş and Kalkan.

The Finike section of the highway, which was opposed by locals because it would divide the agricultural lands, was temporarily excluded from the project, and the section starting from Demre Beymelek to Kaş Kalkan is planned to be 74 kilometers.

The road project includes a total of four lanes, 11 bridges and viaducts, six tunnels and 12 underpasses and overpasses. According to the EIA report, the approximate number of trees to be cut in the forest areas on the route is 66,073. The EIA report will be evaluated by the Environment Ministry's Board of Inspection Survey on Jan. 4.

The Cultural and Natural Heritage Monitoring Platform's archaeologist Nezih Başgelen stated that the highway will pass through the central region of Lycia and asked that civil initiatives, especially the ones working for protecting the historical and natural heritage, be given the opportunity to present their opinions for such projects.

"If we cannot develop rational and realistic...