Dr. Inci Delemen, an archeologist of international reputation, of Istanbul University, and a long-time member of the excavation team, will deliver a lecture on Friday, October 21, 2011 at Noon in the Special Collections reading room, the Elihu Burritt Library.
The glorious story of Perge, located near Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and modern Antalya, began in prehistoric times and continues today with its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the capital of ancient Pamphylia, Perge gained a preeminent status, and it remains an important source for understanding Classical cities. Its impressive remains, especially of the Hellenistic, Imperial Roman, and Late Roman periods, include remarkably well-preserved city walls, streets, baths, an agora, a theater, and a
stadium, all of which together provide insight into aspects of ancient urban planning. Additionally, much of the city was elaborately adorned with a vast assemblage of sculpture that suggests Perge’s role as one of the most important sculpture ateliers of its time.
With continuous Istanbul University exploration of the site since 1946, the project now celebrates its 65th anniversary, making it the longest-running all-Turkish excavation in the country. Both the exhibition and the lecture will highlight the remarkable archaeology of Perge, underscoring the importance of this site for understanding Classical antiquity.
Co-sponsored by the American Friends of Turkey, English Department, Middle Eastern Studies Committee, International and Area Studies Program, Center for International Education.
The exhibit and lecture is free and open to the public.
For more information about the lecture and exhibit please contact:
Leyla Zidani-Eroglu, Ph.D., English Dpt., zidanil@ccsu.edu, or 860 832-2771 or Special Collections at 860 832-2085.