Priene Blog

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Were Discussed at the “Legacy for the Future: What Does Archaeology Tell Us?” Panel

A panel titled “A Legacy for the Future: What Does Archaeology Tell Us?” was held at the Söke Ephesus Cinema. Organized under the coordination of the Priene Ancient City Site Directorate and with the participation of members of the Site Directorate’s Advisory Board, the panel discussed the science of archaeology, excavation processes, and current approaches to the preservation of cultural heritage. The panel featured Prof. Dr. İbrahim Hakan Mert, a faculty member of the Department of Archaeology at Bursa Uludağ University and Director of the Priene Ancient City Excavations; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Yılmazyaşar, a faculty member of the Department of Art History at Anadolu University and Director of the Karacahisar Castle Excavations; Dr. Ahmet Ali Altın, Research Assistant at the Department of Archaeology at Bursa Uludağ University and Deputy Director of the Priene Ancient City Excavation; and Architect Mine Aşçı Altan, Site Director of the Priene Ancient City. The speakers provided insights into the scientific aspects of archaeological research, the processes involved in conducting excavations, and practices aimed at preserving cultural heritage. In the final segment of the panel, questions from the audience—comprising residents of Söke and surrounding districts—were answered, and a comprehensive discussion took place on the connection archaeology establishes between the past and the future. At the end of the panel, an interactive environment was created during a discussion with members of the Priene Ancient City Advisory Board, who participated as both panelists and audience members. It was noted that the event provided local participants with the opportunity to obtain direct information about the Ancient City of Priene and the ongoing processes and to ask questions, while panelists and advisory board members also had the opportunity to evaluate questions, opinions, and suggestions from the local community. May 7, 2026