Bilkent University Takes Over Excavations at Ancient Sagalassos, the Summit of Pisidia

One of the most ambitious archaeological transitions in Türkiye has taken place in the ancient city of Sagalassos, nestled high in the Taurus Mountains. Bilkent University has officially assumed the directorship of the Sagalassos excavations from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium, after 35 years of continuous research. The project is now led by Dr. Peter Talloen, Head of the Department of Archaeology at Bilkent University and a long-time member of the Sagalassos team.

Located at 1,600 meters above sea level near Ağlasun in Burdur Province, Sagalassos was one of the most prominent cities of ancient Pisidia during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The city reached its peak during the Roman Imperial period (1st–3rd centuries CE), serving as a regional hub for politics, economy, and culture.

Science, Technology, and Cultural Heritage Converge

The new phase of the excavation brings together archaeological research with advanced digital technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Bilkent University’s involvement is set to elevate the excavation through 3D modeling, virtual reconstruction, and high-resolution imaging systems.

In collaboration with UNAM (National Nanotechnology Research Center), the Department of Materials Science will apply state-of-the-art techniques such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy to study and preserve ancient artifacts. Meanwhile, Bilkent’s Computer Center will provide secure and scalable infrastructure for managing excavation records, GIS-based maps, and artifact databases.

The research focuses not only on monumental architecture like Roman Baths, the Upper Agora, and nymphaea, but also on ancient agricultural terraces, water management, and environmental change. These investigations are helping scholars reconstruct the daily lives, nutrition, health conditions, and trade networks of Sagalassos across millennia.

Building a Sustainable Future for Archaeology

Dr. Talloen now leads a multinational team of around 60 researchers from Bilkent, KU Leuven, Brussels, and Koç universities. Archaeologists, epigraphers, environmental scientists, biologists, and digital technicians are all working together to expand knowledge of this mountain metropolis.

In addition to academic research, the project is deeply invested in public outreach and sustainable tourism. Plans are underway to launch digital exhibitions, community workshops, and lectures that aim to engage the public and raise awareness about cultural heritage preservation. Partnerships with local institutions and communities are expected to generate long-term economic and cultural benefits for the region.

Stone City Hidden at the Summit of the Taurus Mountains: Sagalassos

Sagalassos was conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE and later flourished under Roman rule. It became a favored city of emperors, who supported its development with monumental structures. A series of earthquakes and climate-related hardships in the 7th century CE led to its eventual abandonment.

Today, Sagalassos is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including its theater, the Antonine Fountain, public baths, and terraced urban planning. It stands as one of Türkiye’s most comprehensively studied ancient cities.

Bilkent University