Scientists search for traces of attacks that destroyed Smyrna

Archaeological excavations are being carried out at Bayraklı Mound (Old Smyrna), which has a history of nearly 5,000 years, to search for traces of wars and other disasters in the city that bore a strategic position at the time.

Important finds have been unearthed in the archaeological excavations that started in 1948 and continued at intervals in the mound in the Bayraklı district.

Excavations are being carried out since 2014 by a team of 70 people headed by Professor Cumhur Tanrıver, a lecturer at Ege University's (EU) Department of Ancient Languages and Cultures.

Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Tanrıver said that the first city structure in İzmir was seen 3,000 years ago with the name "Smyrna" in the area that is now within the borders of Bayraklı.

Stressing that the finds unearthed during the excavations reveal that Smyrna had been a center of commercial and political activities in the region for 300 centuries, starting from the seventh century B.C., Tanrıver said that for this reason, the region was the scene of many attacks and destructions.

Noting that they have been trying to learn the city's defense system in recent years, Tanrıver said: "The ancient city of Smyrna, which was located in a strategically important position, was undoubtedly the main target of different powers who wanted to seize the region. The most important factor in reaching this conclusion is that the city was surrounded by a strong fortification wall since the ninth century B.C. We uncovered a very large and well-preserved tower right next to the entrance to the city, and we had the opportunity to explore it better in the last two years. Now we have made its drawings. We are trying to create a project. If we partially restore it and make it...