A raw silk factory was discovered during the “Simitçi Kale” archaeological excavation in Bursa Gölyazı, one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.
A raw silk workshop has been found in the “Simitçi Kale” area of the Apollonia ad Rhyndacum Ancient City excavation, which is expected to shed light on the Hellenistic settlement of the area in the touristic Gölyazı District of Bursa's Nilüfer district. With the permission and support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, excavations on the preserved city walls of the ancient city, which consist of three island-shaped plots connected to each other and completely surrounded by Hellenistic walls, have continued since July 4.
Based on the sections with many nailed factory boats and large silkworms during excavations, archaeologists determined that this area was used as a raw silk factory.
BUU Head of Excavation Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Archeology, Lecturer Professor Dr. Derya Şahin said that 4.57 meters of the 9-meter long wall was preserved during the Hellenistic period and 4 out of 7 towers on the wall still exist today. Şahin emphasized that they first started working in the area known to the public as “Simitçi Kale” and mentioned in this way in the document, saying, “The expressions castle and tower are actually a bit confusing both in literature and to the public. In fact, there were four towers placed between the city walls, built for security purposes. One of these towers was named 'Simitçi Kale'. Expression reached This is probably due to the domed structure resembling a bagel.” may have been used. “It has been known to be used as a bagel oven among the public,” he said. Stating that they carried out cleanup work in the area for the first time, Şahin said, “About 3 garbage trucks were thrown away. Then we used filler in the necessary areas for weak spots, and in some places we carried out simple temporary repairs of the structure by placing metal bearing parts vertically. Our work continues.”
GOLYAZI IS EFFECTIVE IN SIRVILTURE Stating that the earliest formation of the city walls dates to around the last quarter of the 4th century BC, Şahin said that they determined that the building had different uses during this process. Şahin continued his words as follows: “The most important thing that we have determined is that, based on archaeological findings, we find it appropriate to identify this area as a sericulture factory of the late period (first half of the 19th century). Detailed studies will help to introduce this area in a more scientific way, but for now it is clear that these findings have pointed us in this direction. The dense number of nails found see, those areas that boats travel.” A sericulture workshop was established and several findings took us in this direction. We know that silkworm farming has existed for a long time in the city. “This area, specifically Gölyazı, can be described as a very active spot in silkworm farming and trade in this business until recently.” Professor Dr. Şahin added that simple repair and conservation work will be completed before November 28, and they are planning a major restoration project after the repair.
