Letter to the Editor of the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/letters/l14tur.html Published: May 14, 2000 Save Mosaic From Death by Water See Related Articles • Newly Found, a '2nd Pompeii' Is in Peril Again To the Editor: Re "Dam in Turkey May Soon Flood a '2nd Pompeii' " (front page, May 7): Turkey's refusal to allow newly discovered Roman mosaics to be saved before being inundated by a new dam's backwater leads one to question the wisdom of giving credence to the possibility of returning the sculptures from the Altar of Zeus of Pergamon, now in Berlin. The transfer of ownership of artifacts of historic patrimony requires demonstration of a sincere desire to preserve and take care of these treasures. Here is an opportunity for Turkey to show that it cares for the welfare of these mosaics and this newly unearthed ancient city. How it acts now will influence international opinion about Turkey's current and future demands for the stewardship of objects emanating from its soil. ROBERT A. BARON Previous
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Letter Hits from 10/22/2000 to 3/30/2001 = 00 Other letters on this topic: To the Editor: A May 9 editorial urging Turkey to protect its archaeological patrimony is a welcome call to action. A dam project there is threatening the important archaeological site of Zeugma. Unfortunately, less spectacular but no less important sites around the world are being destroyed daily in the interest of economic development. It is estimated, for example, that expansion of agriculture in the countryside along the Côte d'Azur in France may lead to the destruction of virtually all rural sites in the region in a generation. Much greater action by countries and the international community is needed if humanity is to protect the material remains of its long, rich history. R. BRUCE HITCHNER To the Editor: Inexplicable is the only word for Turkey's decision to proceed with a dam project that when completed will flood and destroy an archaeological site of priceless value ("Watery Grave for a Roman Ruin," editorial, May 9). Inexplicable, but not unexpected. Turkey shows little disposition to protect its cultural heritage and appears to disdain that of others. In Cyprus, 25 years of military occupation have seen churches turned into barracks, stables and hotels. Looted antiquities have surfaced in European auction houses, where Cyprus must buy them back. Turkey would like to join the European Union. Wouldn't it be more likely to find a receptive hearing in Brussels if the basic norms of behavior were observed? JAMES DELIHAS Previous
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