Overview
Associate Professor Zafer Derin, the vice chair of Ege University's archaeology department, discovered this site purely by chance. During the Forum Bornova construction excavation, he spotted ancient remains in the debris. He conducted a detailed investigation of the area and confirmed the presence of significant ruins. Had he been just one week later, the excavated soil would have been carted away, and this piece of history would have been lost forever. A telling indicator of our country's relationship with archaeology.
Despite being discovered in 2005, excavations could only begin in 2010. Because the site sits on some of Izmir's most valuable real estate, the process of expropriation and conversion into an excavation area was extremely difficult. Even the Izmir municipality complained about the high cost of the land buyouts.
This turns out to be Izmir's earliest settlement. Walls 6.5 meters high once protected the ancient city within. Among the finds: fallow deer skull fragments that residents mounted on their walls, and, most significantly, fig and grape seeds. A remarkable detail showing just how far back these dietary traditions go. The seeds have been sent for genetic analysis, and the results are eagerly awaited. Additionally, three panther bones and skulls were found. They apparently hunted these animals for prestige. To think that panthers once roamed what is now the heart of Izmir.
Who knows what else will emerge over the next 10-15 years. Definitely one to keep an eye on.