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Governor Suleyman Kamci of southeastern province of Gaziantep said Friday ancient city of Zeugma would be covered with a structure resembling a "glass bell jar" in an effort to make the historical site a more attractive place for tourists.
Kamci said the historical artifacts unearthed in Zeugma were currently being displayed at Gaziantep Museum in order to protect the pieces from harsh weather conditions.
"However, these artifacts would be more attractive for tourists if they could be preserved and exhibited in their original location," Kamci said.
He said some of the artifacts that are on display at the museum would be carried to their original places once the historical site is covered with a bell jar.
"We are looking for a sponsor for the construction of such a structure," Kamci added.
-ANCIENT CITY OF ZEUGMA-
Zeugma, an ancient city of Commagene, was unearthed in Gaziantep.
The ancient city was originally founded, as a Greek settlement by Seleucus I Nicator, one of the generals of the Alexander the Great, in 300 B.C. King Seleucus almost certainly named the city Seleucia after himself. The population in the city was approximately 80,000.
In 64 B.C., Zeugma was conquered and ruled by the Roman Empire and with this shift the name of the city was changed into Zeugma, meaning "bridge-passage" or "bridge of boats". During the Roman rule, the city became one of the attractions in the region, due to its commercial potential originating from its geo-strategical location because the city was on the Silk Road connecting Antakya to China with a quay or pontoon bridge across the Firat River (Euphrates).
The ancient city was first discovered during archaeological excavations in 1987. Unique mosaics have been unearthed in the city so far.
http://www.turkishpress.com/travel/view.asp?id=221718
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