A 1500-year-old shipwreck has been discovered off the shores of Ayvalik in Turkiye’s Balikesir province, as part of the efforts conducted under the ‘Turkish Shipwreck Inventory Project: Blue Heritage’, aimed at recording and preserving the nation’s underwater cultural heritage.
The remarkable find was made possible through the use of advanced technology and domestically designed robotic underwater vehicles, led by Harun Özdaş, the director of the Underwater Research Center (SUDEMER) at Dokuz Eylül University.
The underwater mapping of the Ayvalik region was also carried out under the supervision of Ozdas.
The shipwreck, located 2.5 miles off the Ayvalik coast, was discovered by Nilhan Kızıldağ, the deputy director of SUDEMER, and her team. Preliminary findings suggest that it dates back to the 5th century A.D.
Described as the largest plate shipwreck ever found in the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas, over 10,000 plates and ceramics have been recovered from the site.
Situated in open waters, the well-preserved shipwreck provides insights into ancient maritime trade in the region.
Ozdas mentioned that the ship likely sailed from North Africa or Cyprus to Istanbul before sinking in a storm. Measuring 15 meters in length and 9 meters in breadth, the ship carried amphorae and plates.
While historical records indicated the shipment of ceramics from North Africa, Egypt, and Syria to Anatolia, Greece, and Italy, there was no concrete evidence of maritime trade until now, Ozdas added.
The discovery of this untouched wreck with its rich and diverse collection is considered significant by researchers.
Ozdas expressed, “In our 30 years of underwater research in Turkish waters, finding such wealth brings us great joy.”
The well-preserved nature of the shipwreck, along with the quantity and variety of artifacts, makes it a unique and valuable find.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been informed of the discovery, and according to Ozdas, it warrants the establishment of a museum dedicated to the shipwreck.
References: Daily Sabah, AA News