The museum project planned for the exhibition of 37 shipwrecks uncovered during the Yenikapı metro excavations, which are rarely seen worldwide, has not been realized despite the passage of more than 10 years.

Tourist guide and researcher-writer Serif Yenen reacted to the process in a post on his social media account, stating, 'This issue is a cultural heritage matter that transcends politics.'

One of the most significant archaeological discoveries that reveals the historical depth of Istanbul was made during the Yenikapı metro and Marmaray excavations. During the rescue excavations conducted between 2004 and 2013, a total of 37 shipwrecks were brought to light. These wrecks, dating from the Byzantine period to before the Ottoman era, have been described by experts as 'one of the largest collections of shipwrecks found together in the world.'

Not only ships were uncovered during the excavations; port structures, daily life objects, and tens of thousands of archaeological artifacts were also revealed. These discoveries, which generated great excitement in scientific circles and the public, were significant in shedding light on Istanbul’s maritime history.

Promises of a Museum, Competitions Held… Then Silence

It is remembered that during the tenure of former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbaş, international architectural competitions were held around Yenikapı, and it was announced to the public that an underwater/archaeology museum would be constructed. The planned museum aimed to publicly display the 37 wrecks found in Yenikapı using modern exhibition techniques.

In fact, during this process, some wrecks and artifacts were shown to visitors through temporary exhibitions at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. However, despite the passage of 10 to 13 years, there has been no concrete development regarding the permanent museum project.

Serif Yenen: 'This is a Cultural Heritage Issue'

Tourist guide, guidebook author, and guest speaker at the Smithsonian Institution, Serif Yenen drew attention to the issue in a post on his social media account, stating the following:

'Where are the Yenikapı shipwrecks, why is the museum still not built?!

The 37 wrecks found in the Yenikapı excavations… tens of thousands of artifacts… where are they? Wasn’t a museum supposed to be opened?

If you remember, I addressed this issue before. After the shipwrecks emerged during the construction of the Yenikapı metro, a very comprehensive archaeological rescue excavation was carried out in Istanbul.

Between 2004 and 2013, a total of 37 shipwrecks were found.

In fact, it was said about these wrecks:

'One of the largest collections of shipwrecks found together in the world.'

At that time, everyone was excited. Because the work was indeed very serious. Temporary exhibitions were also held at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.

Then what happened?

During the tenure of the late Kadir Topbaş, international competitions were opened. As a result of these competitions, an underwater museum was to be built around Yenikapı. And these 37 wrecks… were to be exhibited there for everyone to see.

But 10 to 13 years have passed. And still… there is no news of this museum.

I don’t know where this issue got stuck. But if it got stuck in politics… I believe this issue is one that transcends politics. This is a cultural heritage matter. And this heritage belongs to all of us.'

Yenen’s statement quickly resonated widely on social media, with many users questioning why this archaeological value of Istanbul has still not been made visible.

A Missed Cultural and Tourism Opportunity for Istanbul?

According to experts, a qualified museum to be established for the Yenikapı shipwrecks would;

Increase the diversity of Istanbul’s cultural tourism,

Make the city an important center in terms of world maritime history,

Create a unique attraction point for both domestic and foreign visitors.

Today, however, a large portion of this unique heritage is waiting in storage, undergoing restoration and preservation processes.

The Question is Clear: When Will the Yenikapı Museum Open?

The Yenikapı shipwrecks are seen not only as part of Istanbul’s but also as part of the world’s cultural heritage. Despite the long passage of time, the continued failure to realize the museum raises the question, 'Why has this project been shelved?'

The public expectation is clear: This unique heritage should be exhibited as it deserves and passed on to future generations.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye