Extreme heat and people’s carelessness have caused fires in many parts of Türkiye.
The fire that broke out in a maquis area in Çanakkale also affected the ruins of Assos and the Temple of Athena. The fire destroyed an area the size of 43 football fields.
According to the news of Sözcü, a fire broke out in the maquis near Behramkale village in Çanakkale Ayvacık around 16.30 yesterday. Those who saw the flames reported the situation to forest and fire brigade teams. Upon the notification, many air and land vehicles were dispatched to the region.
The fire progressed rapidly with the effect of the wind and reached the Ancient City of Assos.
The fire was fought by 5 helicopters, 10 airplanes, 4 first response vehicles, 20 land vehicles and water supply vehicles and 225 personnel. A land rover of the Çanakkale Regional Directorate of Forestry was also caught in the flames.
The 7,000-year-old Assos Ruins and the Temple of Athena, which are among the well-preserved examples of Greek city-states, were affected by the flames.
Assos Ruins closed for 3 days
The ruins of Assos and the Temple of Athena, which were affected by the fire, were closed to visitors for 3 days for inspection and damage assessment.
In the statement made by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, the following statements were made.
“The fire that broke out on the borders of Behramkale village in Ayvacık district of Çanakkale province has been brought under control with the intensive work of the teams and the cooling work continues.
Although there is no negativity in terms of cultural assets in Assos Archaeological Site during the fire, our Assos Archaeological Site will be closed to visitors between June 27-29 in order to facilitate the studies and to carry out the necessary identification works at the archaeological site.”
