Zeugma

From Turkey Travel Guide

Zeugma

cingene (the gipsy of zeugma) by iwasinturkey

Coordinates 37°03′N 37°51′E

Town

Gaziantep

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Zeugma.jpg cingene (the gipsy of zeugma) http://www.flickr.com/photos/iwasinturkey/498564444/ iwasinturkey

Location of Zeugma within Turkey.

[edit] History

Zeugma City is located in Gaziantep province of Turkey, by the river Fırat (Euphrates). The city is an important trade center of Hellenistic Era.

City of Zeugma was originally founded in 300(BC) by one the generals of Alexander the Great, Seleucus Nikator 1. General Seleucus named the city Seleucia after himself. However, in 64(BC) the city was conquered by the Roman Empire and the name of the city changed into Zeugma. Zeugma stands for "bridge head". The name comes from the fact that it is located at a position allowing the easiest passage across the River Fırat(Euphrates). Zeugma already was on the Silk Road connecting China to Antakya (Antioch). Due to this geo-strategic location, during the Roman rule the city became one of the attractions in the region. The population in the city reached approximately 80.000.

In 256, city was destroyed by a Sassanid invasion and also being mostly damaged by an earthquake, Zeugma was abandoned dramatically. Still remaining a part of Roman Empire, city was ruled by the Byzantium Empire during the 5th and 6th centuries. But as a result of Arab invasions the city was abandoned once again and later in the 10th and 12th centuries a small Abbasid residence settled in Zeugma.

At the present time, there is a small village called "Belkıs" which was founded in the 17th century.

[edit] Visitor's Guide

The Excavation Studies

First archaeological excavation studies in the site was started in 1992 by the management of Gaziantep Museum, and a French archaeology team joined in from 1996. The points having archeological importance in Zeugma are handled in three sections named Area A, Area B and Area C. First two areas fall under water by the construction of Birecik Dam in year 2000. The archeological rescue and documentation studies have been carried out by an extensive team formed by Turkish, French, Austrian, American, Australian and English archaelogists. The third area which is larger than the sum of other two have been saved and will not fall under water. In this area, long term excavations, restoration and conservation of movable and immovable works, development of an open archeological stand, as well as construction of a muesum are planned. Up to now 7 villas, over 1000 m² of base mosaic, many frescos, seals, coins, oil-lamps, marble statues, and an Ares(Mars) statue which is 1.55 m tall have been found. All portable ones moved to Gaziantep Museum, and those can bee seen there.

[edit] Getting there

Zeugma lies near the village of Belkıs, whic is approximately ten kilometres east of Nizip, Gaziantep. Visitors may first go to Nizip and then to Belkıs taking a tour guide with them.

Getting to Gaziantep

By Plane: There are domestic flights available from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Airport is 15km to the city center.

By Train: There is a train station in Gaziantep but you should first check Turkish railways' schedule for train availability.

By Car, Bus: Gaziantep has easy access through highway connections.

[edit] Eat & Drink

There are no restaurant or cafe or any other place for eating. You better take snacks with you. And it s important to bring enough water because you cant buy water too.

[edit] External links