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In the Footsteps of Queen Amastris: Land Registry and Cadastre Students Explore the Ancient City On-Site
On October 30, 2025, students from the Land Registry and Cadastre Program of Bartın University (BARÜ) Ulus Vocational School conducted a technical field trip to the excavation site of the Ancient City of Amastris in Amasra. During the visit, students received detailed information from the excavation director, Prof. Dr. Fatma Bağdatlı Çam, about monumental structures such as the Stoa and Bedesten, which reflect the economic power and cultural richness of the Roman Empire period.
Since 2024, the excavation works have been carried out by Bartın University on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, shedding light on the long and rich history of the Ancient City of Amastris, which dates back to around 300 BC. Students had the opportunity to observe the ongoing scientific studies on-site and witness the gradual unearthing of the ancient city.
The Monumental Stoa: Evidence of Amasra’s Deep History
Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Fatma Bağdatlı Çam, students learned that the marble-built Stoa is one of the rare surviving examples from the Roman Imperial Period. The structure demonstrates that Amasra was not merely a medieval fortress settlement but a continuously inhabited ancient city since 300 BC. Excavation findings also revealed that the large architectural complex containing the Stoa was destroyed by a major earthquake between AD 305–332.
The Bedesten: A Symbol of Economic Power
Another important structure examined by the students was the Bedesten, also dating back to the Roman period. Together with the Stoa, it highlights Amastris’s prominence as a center of trade and economy among the Black Sea cities of its time. Other large-scale structures in the city, such as the Roman Bath/Gymnasium, further illustrate the region’s prosperity. The construction of such an impressive bath following the Stoa reflects the city’s wealth and importance during the Roman era.
Amastris: The City Founded by a Queen
The foundation of the Ancient City of Amastris is rooted in a remarkable story of female leadership. Originally established as Sesamos by Milesians in the 8th century BC, the settlement was reshaped in the late 4th century BC by Queen Amastris. In 301–302 BC, she founded the city bearing her own name—Amastris—becoming one of the first women in history to establish a city by her own will.
Known as the only queen to use the title “Basilises” (the feminine form of “Basileus,” reserved for kings), her name appeared on coins of the era and gradually evolved into Amasra. The city maintained its importance during the Roman period, enriched by the construction of monumental buildings supported by emperors.
The Future of Amasra: Reviving an Ancient City
During the site visit, emphasis was placed on the critical role of land registry, cadastre, and geomatics engineering disciplines in documenting and preserving cultural heritage. Students were introduced to modern techniques used in surveying, mapping, and boundary delineation in archaeological areas. These practices highlight the strong link between property data and the sustainable management of cultural heritage.
It was noted that mapping and cadastre applications play a vital role in documenting cultural heritage sites, and that the integration of these disciplines significantly contributes to the preservation of Türkiye’s historical assets. The ultimate goal of the ongoing meticulous excavations is to transform Amasra into a fully unearthed ancient city—similar to Ephesus or Aphrodisias—open to visitors and scholars alike. With BARÜ’s scientific support, the project not only illuminates the region’s cultural heritage but also provides students with valuable hands-on archaeological experience.
Following the visit, Dr. Eren Gürsoy Özdemir, lecturer of the Land Registry and Cadastre Program, expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the excavation efforts, stating: “We sincerely thank Bartın University for hosting these valuable excavations conducted with the permission and support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as Prof. Dr. Fatma Bağdatlı Çam and her team for their hospitality and the insightful knowledge they shared with our students. Such field studies are meaningful experiences that enhance students’ professional perspectives, raise awareness about heritage preservation, and provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.”
The technical trip concluded with group photos taken by the students within the archaeological site of the ancient city.
The technical trip concluded with group photos taken by the students within the archaeological site of the ancient city.
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