Clearing, Conservation and Enhancement at the Cappadocia Gate

Collapse of the section cut across the passage of the Cappadocia gate in 2002 as well as erosion that was continuing to undermine the northwest wall of the passage made it desirable to ramp down the passage fill (Fig. 44). This course of action not only made the entire gate visually more attractive but it also enabled measures to be taken that route human and animal traffic through the original passage rather than by the modern track that traversed the southwest tower. Visual enhancement was further improved by revealing the topmost surviving part of the glacis in front of the southwest tower which had been covered by the track. The original passage surface, which still retains fragile traces of the fire which brought the life of the city to a close, has now been preserved beneath a layer of rubble which has also covered the base of the passage walls. At the same time the uppermost intact courses of the passage walling have been, for the first time, exposed over their entire length.

One important result of this work has been to establish that the passage was not restricted by buttresses or architraves. Thus there is no indication as to precisely where the wooden doors were hung, although it hard to imagine that the six metre wide passage was not closed by one, if not two, sets of double doors. The inner gate passage, between the inner towers is wider than the outer passage, making it a less plausible option for either the position of the doors or for an elevated walkway (to take defenders from one side to the other) which would have been best positioned immediately behind the doors or between the two pairs of doors if such there were.

Restoration

For most visitors, the Cappadocia Gate is one of the highlights of their visit (Figs 45 and 46). It has however been decided that no further work can be undertaken at the Cappadocia Gate until and unless there is a comprehensive program that would involve the insertion of scaffolding and props followed by a dismantling and rebuilding of the wall faces of the passageway and the internal chamber. Such a plan of action would not only require engineering expertise and very considerable financial resources, but would also require agreement concerning the ethics and principles of restoration.