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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Sara Tor in Antalya

Outrage at plans to develop Turkey’s cultural heritage sites

Phaselis Bay in Antalya. The area was part of a Greek and Roman settlement and has ruins dating back to the second century BC, but the beaches have never been subject to an archeological dig.
Phaselis Bay in Antalya. The area was part of a Greek and Roman settlement and has ruins dating back to the second century BC, but the beaches have never been subject to an archeological dig. Photograph: bfk92/Getty Images

The construction of tourist facilities on two beaches that were part of the ancient city of Phaselis – a tentative nominee for Unesco world heritage status – has caused outrage at what is claimed to be the latest example of the Turkish culture ministry sacrificing heritage for tourism.

The Alacasu and Bostanlık beaches, on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast in the province of Antalya, were part of Phaselis, a Greek and Roman settlement thought to be the birthplace of Plato’s student Theodectes. Despite having ruins dating back to the second century BC, the beaches have never been subject to an archaeological dig.

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