Ancient Discovery in Manisa: A 2nd Century AD Find
Ancient Theater of Philadelphia in Manisa to be Restored
The ancient city of Philadelphia, founded by Attolos II in the Alaşehir district of Manisa, is undergoing a major restoration project led by the Ministry of Culture and the Alaşehir Municipality. The focus of the project is the excavation and restoration of the ancient theater, estimated to have been built in the 2nd century AD.
The painstaking work involves removing and numbering all remains of the theater building before starting the restoration process. Once the rescue excavation is completed, the numbered stones will be carefully placed back in their original positions. The goal is to open the restored theater building to visitors in the coming years, adding to the cultural value of Manisa.
Mayor Ahmet Öküzcüoğlu of Alaşehir highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Alaşehir is a city with a rich history, and the ancient theater of Philadelphia is an important part of our heritage. We are conducting a rescue excavation with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the sponsorship of the Alaşehir Municipality. Once the restoration work is complete, this ancient theater will be a new cultural gem for our city.”
The restoration project is being carried out with great care and precision, with a dedicated team working diligently to uncover the historical significance of the site. Mayor Öküzcüoğlu emphasized the collaborative effort involved in the project, with the municipality providing support for the workers and necessary equipment.
In addition to the restoration of the ancient theater, Alaşehir is also working on making the city more accessible to tourists. A tourism map designed for visually impaired visitors will allow them to explore the cultural heritage of Alaşehir independently. Mayor Öküzcüoğlu stated, “We want to ensure that all visitors, including those with visual impairments, can experience the beauty and history of Alaşehir. The tourism map and our restoration projects will make our city a more inclusive and welcoming destination for all.”
