Phoenix Archeological Project
The Phoenix Archaeological Project (PAP) is a next-generation research initiative launched in 2021 under the directorship of Dr. Asil Yaman, with official permits from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums. The project is conducted in the Muğla province, Marmaris district, specifically in the neighborhoods of Söğüt and Taşlıca. It involves archaeological surface surveys, excavation works, and multidisciplinary research conducted in collaboration with diverse international teams.
The primary objective of PAP is to document the tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the southwest of the Bozburun Peninsula and contribute to the preservation of the cultural and natural landscape by presenting the obtained data to the international scientific community through various platforms. To achieve this goal, long-term collaborative projects are being developed with an international team of experts in fields such as Archaeology, Archaeometry, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Geology, Geophysics, Ecology, Cultural Heritage, Architecture, and Contemporary Art, affiliated with 13 different institutes across 6 countries.
In addition to its scientific goals, the Phoenix project implements social responsibility and educational programs for the local community in collaboration with international institutions like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national non-governmental organizations.
WHO ARE WE?
We are a group of scientists and volunteers from various countries and institutions, united by the motto ‘archaeology for everyone.’ We dream of creating a sustainable, next-generation scientific project in Phoenix and are working hard to make it a reality.
WHAT IS PAP?
The Phoenix Archaeological Project (PAP) is an interdisciplinary and multinational cooperative excavation and survey project conducted in ancient Phoenix. The project started in 2021 with the official permission of the Ministry of Culture of Turkey and is directed by Dr. Asil Yaman of the Penn Museum.
WHERE?
The city center and acropolis of ancient Phoenix are located approximately 2 km south of the village of Taşlıca in the Marmaris district, in the eastern part of the Sindili Plain, at an elevation of around 250 meters above sea level. The fortified hill known as Hisar Tepe surrounds the city center. Adjacent to the city center, about 500 meters to the north, is the Apollo and Eilethyia Sanctuary and a church dating back to the Byzantine period. Step-pyramidal tombs, chamber tombs, and stone sarcophagi observed along the northern and southern edges of the acropolis indicate that the necropolis of the city extends over a wide area. Ancient agricultural terraces, farms, and olive oil production facilities are other significant elements that complete the rural landscape. Preliminary observations suggest that Söğüt to the north and the ancient Serçe Harbor to the south served as ports for Phoenix
WHEN?
The Phoenix Archaeological Project (PAP) was started in 2021 with the official permission of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture. Field surveys in Phoenix and its environs are conducted annually between June and October.
HOW?
PAP practices traditional methods of systematic, intensive field survey and employs the locus-lot system for excavations. PAP integrates historical research with other disciplines such as geophysics, ecology, anthropology, sociology, and history. All data sets from the sub-projects are combined in a web-based digital interface. Data entry continues during the off-season period by our archivists.