EUROPA NOSTRA APPEALS FOR THE SAFEGUARD OF UNIQUE ROMAN BATHS AT ALLIANOI , TURKEY

The Hague, 10 March 2005 : Europa Nostra – the pan-European federation for heritage – has appealed to the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Abdullah Gül for the protection of the Roman baths at Allianoi, currently under threat by a dam project.  

In 1995 the Turkish state water department, DSI (Devlet Su Isleri) began construction of the irrigation dam for agricultural purposes. Excavations undertaken in recent years managed by Dr Ahmet Yaras in collaboration with the German Archaeological Institute, indicate that this site may turn out to be a unique example of such a Roman spa-bath, as it was rare at that time for thermal baths to be situated in a spa independent of an urban centre. If construction continues according to the present plans, it will be impossible to protect the ruins of these baths. However, local experts point out that only a minor change to the dam design is needed to ensure both the protection of the site and the agricultural development of the region.  

In his letter to Mr Abdullah Gül asking for his intervention to help preserve the monument for present and future generations, Europa Nostra’s Executive President, Otto von der Gablentz said that “these Roman baths constitute a significant ancient monument. The dam would mean a great loss for our common heritage and, moreover, would deprive Turkey of a major monument that might well become an important pole of attraction of cultural tourism”.

Allianoi – situated at Paşa Thermal Spa near Bergama – was first settled in late Hellenistic times, but was transformed by a major building programme during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD). Under the Byzantines, secular and religious buildings were constructed on top of those of those of the Roman period and remained in use until the 11th - 12th centuries.

For further information please contact:

Dr Orhan Silier, member the Europa Nostra Council, osilier@superonline.org +90 216 492 7193
Charlotte O’Connor, Communications Officer, co@europanostra.org +31 70 302 40 55
Mark Snethlage, Campaigns Officer, imo@europanostra.org +31 70 302 40 51