The Historic Kestros Fountain Reconnects with Water After Nearly Two Millennia

Exploring the Recent Revival of the Kestros Fountain in the Ancient City of Perge

The Long-Awaited Reunion

The significant structure of the Kestros Fountain in the ancient city of Perge has reunited with water after approximately 1800 years. Conducted in 2022, the examination of the current state of the structure revealed distinctive features compared to other fountain structures in the ancient city.

Historical Significance of Perge

Situated 17 kilometers east of Antalya, within the boundaries of the Aksu district in the Pamphylia region, Perge Ancient City served as the capital. Excavations were initiated in 1946 by Prof. Dr. Arif Müfid Mansel, followed by Prof. Dr. Jale İnan, Prof. Dr. Haluk Abbbasoğlu, and currently led by Prof. Dr. Şebnem Sedef Çokay Kepçe. Thought to be established during the Bronze Age and considered one of the wealthiest and most beautiful cities throughout the Hellenistic period, the grand historical fountain of Kestros in the ancient city, listed in UNESCO’s Temporary World Heritage List, witnessed the flow of water once again after 1800 years.

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Restoration Success: Ancient Kestros Fountain Flows Once Again After 1800 Years

Reviving History: Kestros Fountain Resumes Flow after 1800 Years

Expert Insights: Unlocking the Secrets of Perge’s Ancient Kestros Fountain

Sharing details on the restoration of the Kestros Fountain, Dr. Aytaç Dönmez, Assistant Head of Excavations at the Ancient City of Perge, discussed the recent successful endeavor. He stated, “We conducted the first trial run of water flow at the Kestros Fountain in 2022. Through a meticulous study to identify potential leaks and ensure a smooth flow, we confirmed the feasibility of the project. Thanks to the ‘Heritage for the Future’ initiative by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, our long-standing efforts have come to fruition this year. The Kestros Fountain has now regained its water flow after 1800 years.”

Exploring the Magnificent Ancient Fountain of Perge City

Unique Features of Kestros Fountain Unveiled by Expert

Unveiling Perge’s Architectural Marvel

Highlighting the remarkable structures of Perge Ancient City, Dr. Aytaç Dönmez, an Associate Professor, shed light on the distinctiveness of Kestros Fountain compared to other edifices in the city. He expressed:

“Kestros stands as one of the most unique structures in Perge. While we are aware of other fountain structures in the ancient city, the standout feature here is the flow of water into a basin, followed by a canal linked to it, traversing the entire north-south streets of the city. Furthermore, excavation works revealed its extension beyond the city limits. Such a lavishly designed, pool-like canal, unparalleled with any other Roman city’s example during the Roman imperial era, is yet to be encountered. In essence, this structure holds a truly luxurious and exclusive status.”

Initiation of the Excavations During Hadrian’s Reign

Dr. Dönmez mentioned, “The excavation endeavors at this site commenced during the lifetime of Emperor Hadrian.”

The Ancient Fountain at Perge: A Marvel of Engineering and History

Discovering the Remarkable Secrets of the Perge Ancient Fountain

Dr. Aytaç Dönmez Reveals the Fascinating History

Dr. Aytaç Dönmez, during the recent excavation, shed light on the ongoing restoration efforts at the fountain. He revealed intriguing details about the structure’s historical significance, noting the presence of two statues of Emperor Hadrian. One armored and the other unclothed, symbolizing his deification posthumously. The fountain’s construction began during Hadrian’s lifetime, with the naked statue representing his divinity after death. This places the fountain’s construction in the early 2nd century AD, around the 130s. The Perge Ancient City stands as a testament to Turkish and Anatolian archaeology, boasting unique engineering feats and methods in water management, making it a focal point of various scholarly studies.

The Impact on Visitor Numbers

In recent times, the convergence of water with the fountains in Sagalassos and Kibyra Ancient Cities has sparked interest, hinting at a potential increase in visitor numbers to these historical sites.

The Revival of Ancient Water Fountains: Antalya’s Perge Excites Tourists

Dr. Aytaç Dönmez Predicts Increased Visitor Numbers to Ancient City of Kestros Çeşmesi

Restored Fountains Bring Life Back to Antiquity

Dr. Aytaç Dönmez, an Assistant Professor reminding us of history, anticipates a surge in visitor numbers to the ancient city following the reconnection of Kestros Çeşmesi with water. He stated, “After 1800 years, water flows once again. Consequently, a vitality linked with water has emerged within Perge. We are aware that in Roman cities across Anatolia, such as Sagalassos and Kibyra Ancient Cities in Pisidia, fountain structures have been revived recently, reconnecting with water. People also visit these cities solely to see their fountains. Moreover, everyone knew that Perge excelled in architecture and sculpture. With the revival of Kestros Çeşmesi, we believe it will significantly impact the tourist numbers in this area.”