Foça to Marseille route to be revisited
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Hürriyet Daily News
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Nisan 15, 2009 00:00
İZMİR - Ships inspired by ancient vessels will set sail from the Turkish Aegean town of Foça on May 2 to travel the historical trade route to Marseille, in the south of France, over the course of two months.
A cargo ship called Kybele, completed recently, and a warship constructed in Urla are part of a cooperative effort by the 360 Degree Historical Research Association, which is co-organizing the journey with the French Cultural Center, and the Turkish American Association.
Archeologist Osman Erkurt, director of the 360 Degree Historical Research Association and captain of the Kybele, said they finished construction of the ship in a year and a half.
Journey starts
"We want to complete our journey without jeopardizing the ship," the archeologist said. "We are aware of the difficulties awaiting us."
Hoping to reach about 60 destinations during the two-month journey, the crews plan to cover a 10-hour route each day.
The project aims to emphasize the role of Aegean and Mediterranean civilizations in forming colonies; Marseille was founded around 600 B.C. by Greek sailors from modern-day Foça. After stopping in the ports of Velia, Alalia, Nice and Antibes, the ship is scheduled to arrive in Marseille on July 1.
A historical İzmir boat will accompany the Kybele on its journey to the port of Marseille.
Both crews will visit some other French cities including Fos, Arles, Avignon, Valance, Vienne, Lyon, Villefrance, Macon, Chalon and Balloy.
The İzmir boat will be given as a gift to the French people.
The Kybele will return to Turkey again, where it will be part of the city’s Istanbul: 2010 European Capital of Culture activities.
Archeologist Osman Erkurt, director of the 360 Degree Historical Research Association and captain of the Kybele, said they finished construction of the ship in a year and a half.
Journey starts
"We want to complete our journey without jeopardizing the ship," the archeologist said. "We are aware of the difficulties awaiting us."
Hoping to reach about 60 destinations during the two-month journey, the crews plan to cover a 10-hour route each day.
The project aims to emphasize the role of Aegean and Mediterranean civilizations in forming colonies; Marseille was founded around 600 B.C. by Greek sailors from modern-day Foça. After stopping in the ports of Velia, Alalia, Nice and Antibes, the ship is scheduled to arrive in Marseille on July 1.
A historical İzmir boat will accompany the Kybele on its journey to the port of Marseille.
Both crews will visit some other French cities including Fos, Arles, Avignon, Valance, Vienne, Lyon, Villefrance, Macon, Chalon and Balloy.
The İzmir boat will be given as a gift to the French people.
The Kybele will return to Turkey again, where it will be part of the city’s Istanbul: 2010 European Capital of Culture activities.