A very special project for the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

I attended a banquet the other evening within the framework of the Bodrum International Mausoleum Workshop held in Bodrum, in the southwestern province of Muğla. The talk of the evening was the restitution project of King Mausolus' tomb that is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The restitution project will be conducted in line with the concepts of contemporary museology.

The event was organized by the Mediterranean Countries Academy Foundation, which was established in 1993 and is headed by Özay Kartal. Some major parts of this unique historic mausoleum are on exhibit at the British Museum in London. Now, the restitution of King Mausolus' tomb will be done using high technology. The restitution project is supported by the Tourism and Culture Ministry. 

The mausoleum will be built as a glass and aluminum construction while staying true to its original. I saw some of the three-dimensional images and I liked them very much. If this project is built, Bodrum will have gain value added.

Poul Pedersen, a professor from the University of Southern Denmark who has acted as deputy head of the excavation works and who has directed the Danish team, visited and was briefed.  

Imagine that we have hundreds of similar historic places in Anatolia. Unfortunately, pieces taken from these places are showcased in several museums in Europe as their best pieces. 

I absolutely support this project because an awareness of history can only be raised if we support such projects. 

Kartal, the head of the foundation, explained that the mausoleum built for King Mausolus in 353 B.C. was a unique structure that has remained unprecedented for its technology, craftsmanship, materials and art. The tomb was partially destroyed...

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