Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Underwater excavation and documentation work has resumed at the Hellenistic-era shipwreck located in Serçe Harbor, a historically significant safe haven for ships in ancient times, situated in the Marmaris district of Muğla, Turkey. The project, officially titled “Serçe Harbor Hellenistic Shipwreck Underwater Excavation and Documentation Works,” is being conducted under the supervision of the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with permission from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The scientific advisor for the excavations is Dr. Orkan Köyağasıoğlu from the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
First discovered in 1973 by Mehmet Aşkın, a sponge diver from Bozburun, and later documented by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, the site was partially excavated between 1978 and 1980, but the work was left incomplete. Thanks to support from the Marmaris Chamber of Commerce, the excavation efforts have now resumed. Located at a depth of 33 to 37 meters, the shipwreck is dated to around 280–275 BCE. It offers valuable insights into shipbuilding and maritime technology of the Hellenistic period.
During last year’s campaign, a number of Knidian amphorae of varying sizes were uncovered, along with ceramic artifacts that show similarities to those from Southern Anatolia, Palestine, and Egypt. The 2025 season, set to continue through mid-September, aims to remove the thick layer of sand covering the wreck and to clearly reveal its outer contours.
FIrst and Only Vessel ClassIfIed as an “ArchaeologIcal Research ShIp”
In a written statement by the Marmaris Chamber of Commerce, it was noted that all artifacts are being thoroughly analyzed thanks to the advanced technological infrastructure established for the project. The statement emphasized: “The excavations are being carried out using Virazon II, the world’s first and only vessel classified as an ‘Archaeological Research Ship,’ which was entirely designed by Turkish engineers.” The statement also underlined the significance of the project in highlighting the strategic importance of the region in antiquity and extended thanks to the project’s scientific director, Dr. Köyağasıoğlu, and his team for their efforts.