The Iron Age capital on Kerkenes Dağ in Central Turkey, very probably ancient Pteria, was looted and burnt in the 540s BC, perhaps less than 100 years after its foundation. International teams of scholars and students have conducted annual campaigns of remote sensing survey and targeted excavation since 1993, revealing the Phrygian characteristics of this new, independent kingdom. In 2009 a substantial program of architectural conservation and site development was initiated at the Cappadocia Gate. In 2010 further poignant evidence of its violent and deliberate destruction at, presumably, the hands of Croesus King of Lydia, was the discovery of a second victim crushed and partially burnt while attempting to flee through the Cappadocia Gate as its timberlaced walls fell. Finding evidence for the position of the doors, unexpectedly located at the rear of the gate, adds a completely new element to understanding how Iron Age defences were designed on the Anatolian Plateau. Visitors in 2011 will gain greater understanding of the defences thanks to restoration of the glacis and clearance of the paved court.

    The Eco-Center at Şahmuratlı Village below the ancient city promotes the use of renewable energy, water management, appropriate building materials and energy-efficient design for sustainable rural life on the Anatolian Plateau. This approach combines heritage management with village improvement, bringing together village residents, local and state officials, NGOs, students and academics all engaged in the protection of cultural and environmental assets in a dynamic rural setting.

	METU Computer Centre hosts the Kerkenes Web Page and provides technical support.
	DONATIONS CAN BE CHANNELLED THROUGH THE METU DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Tel : +90 312 210 2157      Fax: +90 312 210 1150
	Metu Press, METU / ODTÜ, 06531 Ankara, TURKEY. Tel : +90 312 210 3870-73 Fax: +90 312 210 1549

Copyright © Kerkenes Project - 2006
Graphic Design: Ali ÇINKI
Colour Separation: ARTISistem - Tel: +90 312 417 0687
Printed By: SETMA Tel: +90 312 397 2430 Fax: +90 312 397 2435

ISSN 1302-0749