Updated Date : 11.09.2024
Discover Archeopark with the Istanbul E-pass! This digital pass gives you access to over 90 attractions across the city, including this fascinating archaeological site. With the E-pass, you can explore the rich history of Istanbul, from ancient ruins to modern marvels, all with ease and convenience.
Archeopark’s remains located in the eastern ventilation shaft of Sirkeci station, revealed Roman and Byzantine structures. Following the regional conservation board’s guidelines and using scientific methods, the remains were carefully removed and transferred to a temporary conservation site in Sarayburnu. After thorough planning, the artifacts were reassembled in Sarayburnu Park in 2024, displayed as they were originally found.
The History of Sarayburnu and the Prosphorion Harbor
Around 667 BC, the Ancient Greeks founded a colony city called Byzantion near Sarayburnu, which later became known as Istanbul. Since it was a colony city, Byzantion relied heavily on maritime activities and had an important harbor called the Prosphorion Harbor. This harbor was located where the Sirkeci train station is today. It was chosen because it was a natural bay near Byzantion and had a strategic position at the entrance of the Golden Horn. The Prosphorion Harbor was active for nearly a thousand years, playing a key role in trade. The commercial nature of areas like Sirkeci, Eminönü, and Karaköy traces back to this harbor.
The remains displayed in Sarayburnu Park were found near the Prosphorion Harbor. Due to their location, it is believed these structures were used for commercial purposes, suggesting that the harbor remained in use until the 6th century AD.
Between 2006 and 2012, construction for the Marmaray Sirkeci Station took place at four locations: Sirkeci Station, Cağaloğlu, and the East and West Shafts in Hocapaşa. Before construction began, archaeological excavations were led by the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. At Hocapaşa’s Eastern Shaft, Block 14, they uncovered Byzantine remains in the upper layers and Roman remains in the lower layers. The removal of these remains took place over different seasons due to excavation and technical requirements. These stages were categorized as the 2009 and 2011 stages. In 2012, the remains were moved to Sarayburnu Park, where they were stored until 2021.
The remains found during the archaeological excavations in the eastern shaft of Sirkeci date back to the Roman and Early Byzantine periods. These remains reveal important details about the ancient city layout. A notable feature is a stone-paved street running east to west, with significant buildings on both sides. Under the street, there is a water channel. In the middle of the street, a narrow alley heads south, with structures on either side. These buildings have rubble stone and brick walls with Horasan mortar, and most have brick floors. Some contain water wells. The thick walls and design suggest these buildings had public functions. One building on the east side has a portico with four columns, giving it a grand appearance. In the northern part of the street, more walls from another building facing the street have been found.
After the Early Byzantine remains discovered in 2009 were moved to Sarayburnu in 2010, as directed by the Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board, excavations continued. During this work, the foundations of structures from the first layer were uncovered, along with a Roman-era wall from the 3rd-4th century AD. This wall features five rows of cut stones, with wooden beams in between. Nearby, another workshop with stone walls was found. In the central part of the area, an east-west wall made of rubble stone and mortar was also uncovered, standing about 1 meter high with neatly cut stones on top. North of this wall, a paved area with large stone slabs was identified, suggesting the presence of a square from the Late Roman Period. A rubble stone water channel runs between the paved area and the wall. These structures were moved to Sarayburnu in 2011 for protection.
Discover Archeopark with the Istanbul E-pass, which provides access to over 90 top attractions in the city, including this unique historical site. The remains at Archeopark, uncovered during excavations between 2006 and 2012 as part of the Marmaray Project, showcase Roman and Byzantine structures that were carefully relocated and preserved. Found near the Prosphorion Harbor, these structures offer a glimpse into Istanbul's rich maritime and commercial past. With well-preserved streets, buildings, and water channels, Archeopark is a testament to the city’s ancient urban layout. Now beautifully reassembled in Sarayburnu Park, these artifacts tell the story of Istanbul’s evolution, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.