In the excavations carried out by the Archeology Department of our University and carried out with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the ancient city of Kelenderis in Mersin, the three-headed goddess Hecate figure, which is thought to be approximately 2,300 years old, and ceramics belonging to the Hellenistic period were found.
Our University, which offers its support in every work done for the past and the future, carries out seasonal excavations in regions bearing traces of many civilizations. Head of the Archeology Department of our university, Assoc. Dr. It is aimed to add many artifacts to our historical richness during the excavations carried out by the team headed by Mahmut Aydın. Excavations have been going on for 36 years in the areas where the Roman bath, odeion (the place where musical activities are held), churches with a basilica plan and mosaics are located in the ancient city of Kelenenis.
Assoc. Dr. Mahmut Aydın: “Hecate Figure With Three Heads Was Unearthed From The Layer In Which The Ceramics Was Found”
Talking about the work they did in the excavation area and the historical artifacts found, Aydın said, “He is a figure about 20 centimeters tall with three heads. Who is Hecate and what does it have to do with Kelenderis? When we look at it, we know that it has a temple in Lagina Antique City in Muğla and in an inscription there, Kelenderis is counted among the cities that participate in the competitions held every 5 years for Hecate. “Therefore, it is significant that the figure of Hecate was found in this excavation area. We consider the artifact, approximately 2300-2400 years old, to belong to the Hellenistic period.”
Rector Demir: “Findings of Our History Will Guide Our Scientific Studies”
Expressing his satisfaction for our university’s participation in the excavation, Rector Prof. Dr. İdris Demir said, “Ancient values and historical findings are of great importance for science. Therefore, knowing our history will guide us in our scientific studies. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the excavation work and wish them continued success.”
In the ancient city, where excavation and conservation works continue throughout the year, the excavation team is excited to find important findings this season, and the region is planned to be opened to tourism within 2 years at the latest. Aydın stated that the work will be delivered to the Silifke Museum after the examination, and that they will write an article about Hecate.
