The technical trip, conducted with master’s and undergraduate students, was attended by Center Director Prof. Dr. Ercan Haytoğlu, History Department Head Prof. Dr. Umut Karabulut, Center Executive Board Member Prof. Dr. Mithat Aydın, and History Department Assistant Professor Murat Orhun.

At Tripolis Ancient City, Excavation Director Prof. Dr. Bahadır Duman provided important information about the ancient city and the Greek trenches from the National Struggle period excavated in 2023. Duman stated that Tripolis Ancient City carries concrete traces of history from around 5500 BCE to 1922, that travertine unique to Buldan, extracted from Buldan, was predominantly used in the ancient city, and that through the nearby Büyük Menderes River, this marble was traded to many ancient cities from Buldan to Miletus. He also emphasized that the region’s agricultural wealth played an important role in this trade. Furthermore, in 2023, on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic, 100-meter excavations were conducted in 200-meter trenches, and alongside discovered weapon mechanisms and item remnants, unexploded bullets, beef imported from Uruguay, and canned sardines from Portugal were found.

During the visit, students walked to the area where the trenches were located. At this site, Center Director Prof. Dr. Ercan Haytoğlu summarized that as a result of the Greek attacks on June 22, 1920, Yenice and Buldan were effectively occupied on July 5, and that the occupation of Buldan and its surroundings by the 1st Battalion of the Greek Infantry Regiment stationed in Sarıgöl lasted until September 4, 1922, for 2 years and 2 months. He explained that during this period, the trenches were effective in allowing the Greeks to control the region and monitor the trenches in Tosunlar and Ahmetli. Haytoğlu also shared that torture was carried out on civilians in buildings belonging to Greek forces in Yenice and provided information on the burning of Direbolu and Greek atrocities in the region. The trip provided students with important information about tangible traces of the National Struggle period, particularly in Denizli.

While students toured Tripolis Ancient City, Buldan Mayor Mehmet Ali Orpak visited the excavation site and welcomed the students with the words, “Welcome to Buldan.” After touring the ancient city, the group moved to Buldan and visited BELKÜM, a facility operated by Buldan Municipality. Masters demonstrated production on weaving looms and embroidery machines while officials provided information. The municipality offered refreshments at BELKÜM, and Mayor Orpak also stayed with the students.

Following the BELKÜM visit, students toured the Buldan Houses, which distinguish Buldan in Denizli and its surroundings and reflect efforts to preserve the historical urban fabric. The final stop of the program was the Talat Tarakçı House.