We are pleased to share the latest updates on our conservation at Sagalassos. Our recent campaign to fund archaeological interventions and restoration of this historic ancient city inspired an outpouring of support, raising more than double the total of our first campaign this year! Thanks to generous co-funding matches, the campaign totaled over $31,500. To all those who supported our efforts, we extend our sincerest gratitude. Thank you for your support!
In partnership with the Sagalassos Archaeological Research Project (SARP), we have commenced the year’s conservation projects, including relaying the pavement, removing weeds and environmental damage, restoring displaced portions of the structures, and reinforcing the heavily damaged building foundations.
We are also supporting certification training for local community members in mixed masonry conservation techniques. After completing their training, the Sagalassos trainees will receive certification through the Katholieke University of Leuven in Belgium and be able to join the conservation team as full members.
This level of training is necessary because the ruins of Sagalassos are delicate, requiring skilled conservators to repair what extreme temperatures and considerable weathering have eroded over the past 800 years. Furthermore, as we contribute to the physical conservation of the ruins today, we want to ensure their long-term sustainability tomorrow. Training local craftsmen in modern conservation techniques and best practices provides jobs and, more importantly, long-term skills transfer, both factors that may ultimately influence a project’s sustainability.
Our direct, hands-on approach is helping involve and empower the community at Sagalassos to preserve their own cultural heritage, and this progress is possible thanks to our generous donors. To all our supporters, we again extend our heartfelt gratitude!
We are especially excited to welcome the new donors who joined us this year to protect Sagalassos. With their help and the steadfast support of our loyal supporters, we will be able to do so much to conserve this irreplaceable historic city. Thank you again to everyone who found our project at Sagalassos compelling and worthwhile.