Eminent Byzantine scholars react to the construction of a multi-storey building in their place
The mobilization is unprecedented in Turkish history 50 of prominent Turkish Byzantine scholars for the protection of the history of Constantinople on the occasion of the construction of a multi-storey building on the Byzantine walls of the city. The scientists, specialists in Byzantine history, art, of architecture and archeology appeal to the officials and residents of Istanbul to prevent the destruction of its historical heritage. Because as they mention in their text "The underground and above ground monuments of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman period located in the old city do not belong only to Turkey. As can be seen from their presence on the list of World Heritage Sites, they are important for the whole world".
The issue concerns the Sultanahmet area, in a building block of which, when the newer buildings were demolished a few months ago, walls belonging to the Byzantine and Pro-Byzantine periods were discovered in their foundations. Despite the contrary report of the Archaeological Museum of Constantinople on the subject last December, from the beginning of February, construction of a five-story building began on the site. The Protection Committee also had an opposing opinion, while the officials of the Fatih municipality, where the plots belong, repeatedly carried out inspections and the construction site was sealed twice. Nevertheless, the construction of the building continued. New decision, this time from the Ministry of Culture of Turkey with a date 8 ordered the demolition of the newly erected building. Whether it will happen is unknown, just as the fate of the walls, which were probably destroyed, is also unknown. “In the future, the first promotion of the importance of an issue instead of trying to solve it after a holiday will prevent the destruction of other historical works", scientists point out, who also report:
"The area of Sultanahmet in particular needs to be protected more because it hosts works that represent the religious and political centers of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. All construction activities p’ this area must be inspected with the active participation and scientific input of local authorities, of museums, of protection committees and academics. The historical heritage of Istanbul must not fall victim to the greed of the people and the indifference of the authorities".
Source : tovima.gr