Prof. Dr. Bilal Söğüt Awarded the "National Award for Contribution to Cultural Heritage"
Pamukkale University (PAU) Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Bilal Söğüt was given the "National Award for Contribution to Cultural Heritage" at the opening of Mersin Archaeology Days.
The archaeological excavations in the excavation area, the protection and preservation of the unearthed structures and the practices for their use were awarded by the İçel Art Club. At the opening of the 28th Mersin Archaeology Days meeting held this year, PAU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences faculty member Prof. Dr. Bilal Söğüt was given the "National Contribution to Cultural Heritage Award".
Prof. Dr. Bilal Söğüt, a faculty member of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, carries out archaeological excavations, research, drawings and restoration works with a team headed by him in the buildings from ancient times to the present day in Stratonikeia Ancient City and Lagina Sanctuary on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Pamukkale University. In particular, structures belonging to at least nine different periods that have lived in the ancient city of Stratonikeia are being uncovered and taken under protection. On the other hand, in addition to the tangible cultural heritage in the ancient city, efforts are being made to protect the intangible cultural heritage. In the shops in the restored village square, efforts are also being made to keep alive the professions belonging to the Ottoman and Early Republican periods, which are in danger of disappearing.
Preserving the artifacts of every period from antiquity to the present day, exhibiting them together, transferring them to future generations and making the appropriate ones available for use are among the nationally and internationally accepted practices. The works carried out here are among the rare practices carried out in an ancient city. Thanks to all these, the Ancient City of Stratonikeia and the Eskihisar Village, which was built on it, attract great interest by continuing to be kept alive. It is known that the works carried out in Stratonikeia set an example for the works in ancient settlements in Mersin and other provinces and similar practices have been initiated.
