www.zaman.com The interest of private institutions in Turkey’s historical heritages is gradually on the rise. A Turkish private sector company, Aygaz, plans to undertake the restoration project of Antonine Fountain in Burdur, following the restoration of Tophane Fountain by Saka Su, and the restoration of Karakoy Fountain by Kuveyt Turk bank.
The restoration of the Antonine fountain that was built some 2,000 years ago is expected to be completed by 2010. Upon completion of the restoration works it is hoped that fountain will provide drinking water as it did when it was first built.
Antonine Fountain of historical Sagalassos was covered in earth following an earthquake in 500 B.C.
Afyon marble was used in the fountain adorned with seven different colors and in the first stage of the restoration work, 3,500 broken stones will be fixed to form 400 blocks. Restoration attempts of historical Sagalassos continue under the guidance of Construction Engineer and Architectural Restoration expert, Semih Ercan.
The first excavations of the antique city that was discovered by French traveler Paul Lucas began in 1990.
The works have continued with Professor Marc Waelkens from Belgium Leuven University. The city, described for its magnificent fountains, has a theatre with a 9,000 person capacity, which is the world’s highest elevation theatre.
The documentary film, "Sagalassos: Lost City" filmed by Philippe Axell won awards at the Greek International Archeological Film Festival, the French International Archeological Film Festival and the American International Video and Film Festival.
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