The work titled 'The Heart of the Ancient World: Ports - From the Neolithic Period to Byzantium,' brought to our cultural life through the joint vision of the Mersin Chamber of Shipping (MDTO) and the Association of Turkish Port Operators (TÜRKLİM), was presented to the public at a grand promotional meeting. This extensive study, contributed by expert academics with 20 scientific articles, addresses the ancient ports of Anatolia for the first time in such a comprehensive and holistic manner.

A unique resource that will shed light on maritime history and archaeology has been added to the literature. The launch meeting, hosted by the Mersin Chamber of Shipping, was attended by MDTO Board Chairman Cihat Lokmanoğlu, TÜRKLİM Board Chairman Hamdi Erçelik, former TÜRKLİM Board Chairman Aydın Erdemir, MDTO Board Members, and representatives from the maritime press.

Looking at Maritime History 'From the Sea'

The book, edited by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yaraş and Dr. Lecturer Ömer Tatar, proposes to view maritime history not from the land as is customary, but directly from the sea. The work examines ports not merely as coastal facilities or commercial stops, but as centers where the heart of social, cultural, and economic life beats. It uncovers many unknowns with archaeological and epigraphic data, ranging from port construction technologies to customs laws, and from the eating, drinking, and accommodation cultures of sailors to ancient logistics networks. The historical significance of the Anatolian geography, surrounded by seas on three sides, in global maritime trade is presented with concrete evidence in the work.

Lokmanoğlu: 'Sectoral Collaborations Strengthen Cultural Publishing'

In his opening speech at the meeting, MDTO Board Chairman Cihat Lokmanoğlu emphasized the great importance the Chamber places on maritime publications and cultural heritage. He stated that this joint project carried out with TÜRKLİM is the best example of how sectoral solidarity and a common vision can powerfully reflect in cultural publishing, expressing his satisfaction with the collaboration.

'The Cilicia Geography Was at the Very Center of Mediterranean Trade'

MDTO Secretary General Fuat Gedik highlighted the deep-rooted connection of the work to the region, stating that ports and maritime transportation are the fundamental dynamics that shape human history. Gedik included the following statements in his speech:

'The Cilicia geography we are in has been positioned at the very center of the commercial network in the Mediterranean since ancient times. The ancient shipyards on Dana Island, and ports such as Soli Pompeiopolis and Kelenderis clearly demonstrate the historical significance of our region in maritime trade. While we support the development of the maritime sector, we also see it as a primary responsibility to support scientific studies that investigate the historical roots of our work. This work is a reflection of that sense of responsibility.'

Erçelik: 'We Cannot Formulate the Future Healthily Without Understanding the Past'

TÜRKLİM Board Chairman Hamdi Erçelik focused on the visionary and intellectual depth that the work brings to today’s port sector. He stated that ports are one of the most fundamental areas of contact and interaction in human history, saying:

'Anatolia has served as a bridge and a crucible that brings together different civilizations; the entry and exit points of this crucible are the ports. As TÜRKLİM, we believe that the future cannot be formulated healthily without understanding the past of ports. Ports, which were the nodal points of trade in ancient times, continue to play a decisive role in the development of countries, international competition, and regional connectivity today. This work sheds light on the past while also providing an important intellectual perspective for contemporary port operations.'

New Goal in the Major Project: 'A Series Extending from Rome to the Republic'

Aydın Erdemir, former TÜRKLİM Board Chairman, who played a significant role in bringing the project to life, pointed to the historical continuity of port culture. He reminded that strategic points that were ports approximately 7000 years ago are still used as modern ports today, expressing that this ancient knowledge has been passed down through generations.

Erdemir stated, 'By publishing this work, we are passing on the ancient port culture to the generations that come after us,' and expressed his great honor in working with MDTO. He also mentioned future goals, announcing that they aim to turn the work into a series that will encompass historical processes extending from Rome to the Ottoman Empire and subsequently to the Republic. Erdemir also extended special thanks to Özdemir Korkmaz, who laid the intellectual foundations of the project years ago and successfully managed the publication process.

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Source: SeaNews Türkiye