JAKARTA - The ancient city of Aphrodisias one of the most famous archaeological sites dedicated to Aphrodite, a goddess of love and beauty is undergoing major revitalization to improve the experience of visitors.
Located in Karacasu District, Aydmen, Turkey, the site is preparing to welcome guests with extended night museum access, new visitor centers, and an upgraded landscape.
With a history spanning 2,500 years, Aphrodisias offers a window to Anatolia's layered heritage, with buildings and artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Beylik and Ottoman eras.
Since being included in the Heritage initiative for the Future of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism last year, Aphrodisias has witnessed archaeological activity throughout the year.
Recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has been central not only to excavation and restoration efforts but also to infrastructure development.
The new visitor center is currently being built to replace the existing facilities at the entrance to the location. The project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, also includes redesigned pedestrian paths and better social facilities.
The increase in the Aphrodisias Museum is expected to be completed in 2027, while the opening hours of the museum at night will begin in 2026 after the tender process.
This improvement aims to increase accessibility and deepen the involvement of visitors, creating a more in-depth cultural experience.
Professor Bahadmen Duman, project coordinator for Heritage for the Future: Aphrodisias and faculty member at the Department of Archeology at Pamukkale University, outlined the scope of work underway in an interview with Anadolu Agency. He stressed that Aphrodisias has entered a new phase of comprehensive conservation and development.
"This project follows the three-phase structure, excavation, restoration and infrastructure improvement," said Duman, quoted from the Daily Sabah on June 25.
"Every element of from the visitor center to the night's access is part of this coordinated effort to protect and share the site more effectively," he continued.
Important discoveries have been made at Ottoman and Tetrastoon Baths since the site joined the national heritage program. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with plans to eventually open up this area to the public.
"This bathing is key to showing that Aphrodisias continues to be inhabited during the Ottoman period. We aim to highlight the sustainability of this multicultural through excavation and preservation," explains Duman.
Work is also underway in the agora near ancient theaters, where archaeologists focus on guided galleries and marble sidewalks.
Last year, a series of shops were found in the eastern gallery of Tetrastoon. Inside, a room with a mosaic floor is found that displays plant and geometric motifs. This mosaic is currently undergoing restoration and will be accessible to visitors after completion.
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Among the most prominent buildings being fenced out are Theater Bathing, which is located next to ancient theaters and dates back to the second century AD. Used until the sixth century, the complex follows classic Roman designs with cold, warm, and hot rooms, as well as nine vast halls. The building also underwent structural changes during the fourth century.
"We are directing significant efforts into this area," said Duman.
"Through the ongoing excavation and restoration, we hope to revive this important building," he concluded.
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