AYDIN, Türkiye 

Western Türkiye's ancient city of Tralleis, located in the Efeler district of Aydin, is expected to open to the public this summer after decades of extensive archaeological excavations.

Founded nearly 3,000 years ago by Thracians and Argives, the ancient city of Tralleis is believed to be the site where the first notated music in history was created.

Among its most iconic structures is the gymnasium complex, locally known as the Triumphal Arch, which remains standing to this day.

The ruins also include an original marble-paved avenue, Roman baths, an agora, a theater, temples, churches, and necropolises.

Murat Cekilmez, a professor at Aydin Adnan Menderes University and head of the Tralleis excavations, told Anadolu that visitors will soon be able to walk along the marble street “just as it was centuries ago.”

Cekilmez joined the excavation team as a student and has remained deeply involved ever since, often working more than 10 hours daily during excavation seasons.

Known for his commitment to the site since his years as a student, Cekilmez continues to work diligently to position Tralleis as a leading center for archaeological research and heritage conservation.

He emphasized that intensive preparations are currently underway to open the site to the public, which will mark a first since excavations began in 1996.

“With ongoing excavation, restoration, and landscaping efforts, we aim to make Tralleis one of Aydin’s signature cultural landmarks," Cekilmez said.

Cekilmez noted that, thanks to funding from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s ‘Heritage for the Future Project,’ the excavation tender has been completed, and the ancient city of Tralleis is expected to officially open to visitors in August 2025.