Works Carried Out at Telmessos Ancient City Discussed at the Power Union Platform

At the meeting of the Fethiye and Seydikemer Professional Organizations Strength Union Platform, hosted by the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTSO) on July 9, 2026, at the Meğri Meeting Hall, Prof. Dr. İsa Kızgut, faculty member of the Mediterranean University Archaeology Department, gave a comprehensive presentation on "Knight Island-Telmessos and Surrounding Surface Research." The meeting was also attended by Archaeologist Dr. Pınar Döğerli Başerkafaoğlu, who accompanied the surface research studies. Prof. Dr. Kızgut shared with the platform members the scientific studies conducted so far, the findings obtained, and the research plans for the upcoming period within the scope of the surface research carried out around the ancient city of Telmessos and its surroundings. The presentation emphasized the importance of documenting, preserving, and carrying the archaeological heritage of the region to the future through scientific methods, highlighting that the studies will make a significant contribution to better understanding Fethiye's historical identity.

The participants at the meeting, which emphasized that the preservation of the cultural heritage in the region is also an important value in terms of sustainable tourism and regional development, agreed that supporting scientific research and sharing the obtained data with the public would strengthen the potential of Fethiye and Seydikemer in cultural tourism.

Çıralı: “Scientific studies will strengthen cultural tourism”

Osman Çıralı, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who chaired the platform meeting, stated that Fethiye is an important destination not only for its natural beauties but also for its thousands of years of history, and expressed that they are pleased to follow the scientific studies aimed at bringing the cultural heritage to light. Çıralı said, "The scientific researches conducted in Telmessos and its surroundings will not only shed light on the history of our region but also make significant contributions to the development of cultural tourism. While supporting the economic development of Fethiye and Seydikemer, we also prioritize the preservation of our historical and cultural values. We will continue to support every study that protects and promotes the common values of our region in the light of scientific data."

At the meeting, consensus was reached on strengthening cooperation among public institutions, universities, and professional organizations to protect, promote, and transfer the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Fethiye and Seydikemer to future generations.