During the weekend of April 26–27, undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty members from the Department of Archaeology embarked on an enriching excursion to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, located in Geyre, Aydın Province. They were accompanied by Rector Prof. Kürşat Aydoğan, Provost Prof. Orhan Aytür and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Letters, Prof. Simon Wigley.
The group had the rare opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site under the expert guidance of Prof. R.R.R. Smith, the director of excavations at Aphrodisias. Prof. Smith led an in-depth tour of the remarkably well-preserved ruins, highlighting the city’s historical significance as a major center for sculpture and learning in the Roman period. Participants were able to admire some of the spectacular marble sculptures and sarcophagi produced by the city’s famed workshops.
Throughout the visit, Prof. Smith provided fascinating insights into the artistic, cultural and political life of ancient Aphrodisias, offering students and faculty a deeper appreciation of the ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts at the site.
The trip provided a valuable opportunity for experiential learning, allowing participants to engage directly with one of the most important archaeological sites in Türkiye and to deepen their understanding of the ancient world beyond the classroom.