Treasure hunters damage restorations
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Doğan News Agency
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Ocak 27, 2009 00:00
AYDIN - A historical chapel in the Aegean region appears to have been another target of treasure hunters. While working on a project to turn the Yoran village near the famous Apollo Temple in Aydın’s Didim district into a tourism hotspot, a three-meter hole, likely dug by treasure seekers, was discovered at the back of the chapel.
The authorities from the Aydın Monuments Association, and Protection Application and Supervision Bureau, or KUDEB, came to Didim to supervise the restoration project of the ancient chapel and while researching abandoned houses, the authorities came across evidence of illegal digging.
"We talked to the authorities about taking more severe precautions against illegal digging," said Başak Kamacı, an art historian at KUDEP.
"There are even some people who cheat others by selling fictitious treasure maps. These excavations harm the backbone of the house. It is just a dream to find treasure in Yoran."
Başak Kamacı said those who conduct illegal digging and unlicensed drilling in the protected area can be sentenced for two to five years in prison or fined 50,000 to 200,000 Turkish Liras.
"We talked to the authorities about taking more severe precautions against illegal digging," said Başak Kamacı, an art historian at KUDEP.
"There are even some people who cheat others by selling fictitious treasure maps. These excavations harm the backbone of the house. It is just a dream to find treasure in Yoran."
Başak Kamacı said those who conduct illegal digging and unlicensed drilling in the protected area can be sentenced for two to five years in prison or fined 50,000 to 200,000 Turkish Liras.