Archaeological Excavations Commence at Lystra Ancient City

The ancient city of Lystra, a significant site for world, religious, and Christian history as well as for Konya and Anatolia, has commenced excavations.

Konya Metropolitan Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, Necmettin Erbakan University Rector Prof. Dr. Cem Zorlu, and Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş visited the excavation site, where the results have been eagerly anticipated by the world's leading historians and archaeologists for the past 150 years.

Mayor Altay, Prof. Dr. Zorlu, and Mayor Kavuş, who received information from the team conducting the excavations at Lystra, a city of special significance for Christians due to its mention in the Bible as well as its historical richness, expressed their admiration for the valuable artifacts uncovered despite the excavation's recent start.

Kavuş stated, "The excavation work is being carried out by three separate teams of 45 people at three different locations. Lystra is an ancient city that has attracted many visitors even in its mound form. As artifacts are uncovered, we anticipate a significant influx of tourists. Our goal is not only to shed light on history but also to boost tourism as much as possible. With Lystra, along with the Kilistra, Karahüyük, and Şükran excavations, Konya will become a true tourism hub, significantly increasing the city's share from tourism."

Prof. Dr. Cem Zorlu emphasized that the uncovering of the city will make a significant contribution to the city's history and tourism. He highlighted that Lystra is a key site in both world and Anatolian history, noting that the ancient city has been a focal point for historians and archaeologists for the past 150 years.

Uğur İbrahim Altay said, "Our goal is to turn Konya into a tourism city. Cultural tourism is now very important for people. We are dedicated to uncovering this city, which is well-known in the global archaeological community, to achieve this goal. I thank all my colleagues who are working diligently on the excavation."