Kemer, Antalya. A new Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum will be built in the ancient city of Kemer-Idyros, showcasing unique artifacts discovered during underwater excavations. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy dived to a 2,000-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Adrasan and examined the ongoing excavations.

Ersoy emphasized that hundreds of ceramic plates, bowls, and amphorae were found almost perfectly preserved at the site, highlighting the significance of the discovery not only for Turkey but also for world cultural heritage:

“We are now a leader in underwater archaeology, and we continue our work within the framework of the Heritage for the Future project. The museum’s design has been completed, and construction will begin this month.”

Associate Professor Dr. Hakan Öniz, Head of the Mediterranean Underwater Heritage Research Department at Akdeniz University, stated that glass ingots and thousands of patterned ceramic pieces were discovered in Adrasan, while remains of a Middle Bronze Age trading vessel carrying copper ingots were found off the coast of Kumluca.

“Our goal is to scientifically document shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and include them in the World Cultural Heritage list,” he said.

Currently, underwater excavations are being carried out at four different sites. Ersoy also announced that, in addition to the new museum in Kemer, a special underwater archaeology section will be opened at the Antalya Archaeology Museum.