The Underwater Research Team of University of Kyrenia, during its planned and systematic research studies carried out throughout the shores of North Cyprus, has disovered ancient findings which were undiscovered up to now and strongly believed to belong ancient times before Christ, offshore Yeşilırmak (Limnidi) village.

According to a press info released by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of University of Kyrenia, the Underwater Research Team of University of Kyrenia that carried out underwater research within the scope of the planned and systematically carried out research studies, has discovered remains of amphoras 270 meters offshore of the coastal area of Yeşilırmak Village, in western part of TRNC. Making a statement on the issue, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ediz Tuncel said, ” Cyprus was the centre of civilizations for several thousand years, and as a land surrounded by the sea, many undiscovered parts of Cyprus naval history still remain unknown, and hidden somewhere in and around Cyprus. As University of Kyrenia, we have been carrying out our expeditions and scientific research systemacially to discover the unknowns. Enver Yetkili have came up a very important study, a book, which provides historical details and developments of ports and harbours of Cyprus. This study provides us with invaluable assistance throughout our research studies. We know that the ancient City of Soloi situated in western part of TRNC had a harbour, however, there had to be other transport and logistic support routes for Vouni Palace which was built by Persians and mainly used as a military post to control the area and the City of Soloi. These routes coming from sea had to be invisible to people of Soloi. Throughout our expeditions carried out from sea and shores around Vouni Palace, we were unable to discover and remains. We extended out our expedition studies to western part of Vouni Palace, towards the coasts of Yeşilırmak Village, and finally we discovered some remains of ancient pottery approximately 270 meters offshore, at a location that could be a part of a natural port, and some man-made walls made of stone, that seem to belong to ancient times. The remains of amphoras have characteristics of pottery reflecting times before Christ. We took the photos of these pottery. The remains of ancient pottery have mostly been covered with seashells and geological formation under the sea, throughout the centuries. The location is very convenient as a natural port and is at a geographical position from where the people could reach to Vouni Palace within one hour on foot, without being spotted by people of Soloi. It is apparent that in this region were some naval activities long before the village of Yeşilırmak has been established. At this point, first of all, the findings must be properly registered and then, further research must be carried out to find out their exact age, and continue to explore the area for further findings. ”

General Secretary Tuncel; The main mission of University of Kyrenia is not only to educate and train qualified mariners and aviators, but to provide an insight to naval history of Cyprus through the scientific research and studies…

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ediz Tuncel also said in his statement that the main mission of the University of Kyrenia is not only educating and training qualified mariners and aviators, but also shed light on the undiscovered historical facts of marine history of our country which has a rich history. Tuncel emphasized that they would continue to conduct research studies throughout all parts of our country and shed light on unknown aspects of our country.