The Old Ships of the New Gate / Yenikapi'nin Eski Gemileri

The Directorate of Istanbul Archaeological Museums was appointed to lead the archaeological excavations at Uskudar, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet and Yenikapi station constructions of Marmaray and Metro Projects, among the most important transportation projects of Turkey. Our largest area of excavation is at Yenikapi on the Marmara coast, the area known as Langa, which housed the harbour of Byzantine Istanbul. Excavations at Theodosian Harbour brought to light, to date, a total of 31 shipwrecks of various sizes and types. Archaeological work on shipwrecks requires an entirely different expertise; therefore, our Museum has authorised Istanbul University's Department of Restoration and Conservation with the documentation, lifting, conservation-restoration works as well as preparing the shipwrecks for display at the museum. The team started the work with a big staff and has already completed the lifting of and has taken into conservation eleven shipwrecks in conformity with the international norms and standards. The book in your hands explicitly presents the work conducted by the IU team employing the latest technology available, their scientific approach and the care and importance they pay to the work. -- Dr. Ismail Karamut, Director of Istanbul Archaeological Museums