An amulet figure that has been unearthed during excavations at the Çukuriçi mound in Ephesus has revealed that the ancient city is actually nine millennia old. Made of black stone and believed to have been used as jewelry, the 2.1-centimeter amulet brings the history of Ephesus 9,000 years back – a full 1,000 years earlier than previously believed. Link

New data obtained during excavations on Van Castle has revealed that Lake Van was much smaller 7,000 years ago and has risen over time to reach its current size. Link

Scientists are slipping 3-D cameras into Syria to local activists and residents to scan antiquities. A U.S.-funded project aims to provide local conservators with resources to help safeguard relics. Inside Syria, volunteers scramble to document damage to monuments and confirm what remains. Link

A Swiss public prosecutor has ordered that a precious Roman-era sarcophagus be returned to Turkey five years after it was seized by customs in Geneva, an official statement said on Sept.23.Considered a major archaeological find, the sarcophagus depicts the 12 labours of Hercules and was sequestered at the Geneva Freeport warehouse complex in 2010. Link1 Link2

Between 2002 and 2015, nearly 4,000 cultural and historical artifacts across Turkey have been restored, according to General Directorate of Foundations Director Adnan Ertem. Link

The 4.5-kilometer Roman-era King’s Road in Mersin is being cleaned for restoration work. When the work is done, the road is expected to be on the itinerary of international archaeology travel groups. Link 

Three massive, mysterious amphoras have been unearthed during excavations in the Kaniş-Kültepe-Karum archaeological field in Kayseri. While still unsure as to their use, experts say it be difficult to produce the amphoras, even with today’s technology. Link

The former Antalya Trade and Industrial Chamber (ATSO) building in the center of the southern city has been turned into a culture center. The opening of the Antalya Culture and Arts Center (AKS) was made with original paintings by Picasso on Sept. 16, while another opening exhibition displays works from famous Turkish photography artist Ara Güler. Link

As KPY (İstanbul Bilgi University Cultural Policy and Management Research Centre) we are proud to introduce 2014 Annual Turkish Cultural Policy and Cultural Management News Digest. Through this digest comprising of top ten news items, we aim to give an insight into the Turkish cultural policy discussions in 2014. This digest is circulated annually to our international contacts. On this note we would like to wish you a happy, successful and productive new year in 2015!

Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry’s support for archaeological excavations, which was 1,877,915 Turkish Liras in 2002, increased by 17 fold this year. Link