Discover the Ancient City of Sagalassos, Turkey
Ancient ruins bordered by the tall mountains of coastal Turkey.
Ancient City of Sagalassos by Bruno VandermeulenWorld Monuments Fund
Welcome to Sagalassos
The ancient city of Sagalassos lies 60 miles from the coast in southwestern Turkey. Once a bustling Roman metropolis, the city featured monumental structures, colossal baths and a 9,000-seat theatre.
Remains in Sagalassos by Orçun EdipoğluWorld Monuments Fund
Spearheaded by the University of Leuven in Belgium, the excavation of Sagalassos has revealed a massive city center, well-preserved theater, and colossal statues of the emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius.
Ancient City of Sagalassos by Jason DruryWorld Monuments Fund
The city's extreme isolation has been both a blessing and a curse. Although largely protected from looting and vandalism, the remains of Sagalassos have continuously suffered from weathering and ongoing erosion.
Remains in Sagalassos by Orçun EdipoğluWorld Monuments Fund
As the fragile remains crumble, the larger cultural network has also deteriorated. Few youth are left to learn traditional crafts and building techniques. Irreplaceable local skills are fading away.
Protecting Remains of Sagalassos, Turkey by Bruno VandermeulenWorld Monuments Fund
To protect Sagalassos, Global Heritage Fund has partnered with KU Leuven and the Sagalassos Archaeological Research Project (SARP) to conserve the archaeological remains and engage the community through training workshops.
Mudbrick Training Near Sagalassos, Turkey by Mustafa GonenWorld Monuments Fund
To preserve their cultural heritage, local workers train in traditional building methods such as masonry and earthen architecture, learning techniques vital for the preservation of Sagalassos’s delicate archaeological remains.
Ancient City of Sagalassos by Bruno VandermeulenWorld Monuments Fund
The trainees also receive certification through KU Leuven and can translate their new skills into work at other building sites.
Ceramic Training Near Sagalassos, Turkey by Yildiz YagciWorld Monuments Fund
In the nearby town of Ağlasun, craftswomen learn to create and market regional products, enhancing their ceramic-making skills in order to improve their livelihoods.
Ancient City of Sagalassos by Bruno VandermeulenWorld Monuments Fund
By transforming traditional building techniques and crafts into modern skills, local residents draw on innovation and entrepreneurship to protect both the area’s history and their own cultural heritage.
Discover More
Explore how Global Heritage Fund builds local capacities in restoration and crafts training to sustainably protect the irreplaceable historic remains of Sagalassos, Turkey.
Sagalassos, Turkey
Regional Ceramic Workshop Empowers Women to Protect Cultural Heritage of Sagalassos
Breathing New Life into Sagalassos Conservation
About Global Heritage Fund
Transforming local communities by investing in global heritage. Since 2002, we have partnered with over 100 organizations to protect 28 sites across 19 countries. And we are just getting started. Learn more at globalheritagefund.org.
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Partners
The Anglo-Romanian Trust for Traditional Architecture (ARTTA)
The Monumentum Association
Romanian Order of Architects
Banca Comercială Română & Erste Group
Local Directorates of the Ministry of Culture of Romania
ADEPT
Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism, Bucharest
Babes-Bolyai University
Townhall of Apold (Village of Daia)
Global Heritage Fund
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