Project Summary

In July 2023, the discovery of a hoard of ancient Persian gold coins at Notion, a remarkably well-preserved Hellenistic city on Turkey’s western coast, captivated scholars and the public alike. This rare find showcased the site’s archaeological significance, revealing Notion’s connections to the broader Persian Empire during the 5th century BCE. That same season, excavations unearthed a late Roman warehouse, highlighting the city’s enduring commercial role well into the Roman era.

Despite its cultural richness, Notion faces growing threats from climate change, sea-level rise, illegal development, pollution, and looting. The surrounding beach and city were declared protected archaeological zones in the 1980s, but ongoing environmental and human pressures demand innovative solutions.

Enabled by a $10,000 Catalyst Grant, a multidisciplinary team of University of Michigan and Turkish researchers and practitioners collaborated with local architects, conservators, public officials, and community stakeholders to develop a formal management and preservation plan for Notion, alongside designs for a visitor center and research facility. Although the University of Michigan has sponsored archeological research at Notion since 2014, the Catalyst Grant launched a new phase of work, funding travel to Turkey, workshops, meetings, and community convenings to co-develop preservation strategies and architectural designs.

To ensure Notion’s long-term preservation, the team prioritized sustainable, community-driven design strategies to stabilize key architectural features and build local capacity. Working with Turkish architectural consultants, they integrated sustainable infrastructure into the site, including a newly constructed artifact storage depot designed using local methods and materials.The depot features a compact footprint to minimize environmental impact, white-painted walls to reduce heat gain, clerestory windows for natural ventilation, and a green roof to manage stormwater. Shaded work areas and preserved trees further cool the microclimate. Turkish students and workers received hands-on training in conservation techniques, helping to build long-term capacity for site stewardship. 

Engagement with local residents of Ahmetbeyli, the nearby town, has been central to this project. Through interviews, town meetings, and community gatherings, community members have helped shape site management decisions and expressed appreciation for the project’s cultural and economic benefits. Conservation efforts have extended beyond technical work, fostering dialogue between archaeologists, conservators, and the community. This approach offers a scalable model for other Mediterranean sites facing similar challenges.

The U-M team will continue to develop a resilient landscape plan for the area connecting the excavation complex to the beach. This next phase, informed by community input, will support both site conservation and public amenities that reduce pollution and enhance overall visitor experience. The landscape will also serve as an open-air museum, sharing Notion’s history and the project’s ongoing efforts. Through this work, Notion continues to stand as a model for sustainable, community-centered preservation.

In the Media

• U-M team finds ancient Persian gold coins in western Turkey | The University Record 

This project received a $10,000 Catalyst Grant in 2023.

Project Team: Christopher Ratté, PI (Classical Studies); Kathy Velikov, Co-I (Taubman); Suzanne Davis (Kelsey Museum of Archeology); Hazar Kaba (Sinop University); Metin Kılıç (M+D Mimarlık); Yaşar Selçuk Şener (Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University); Dürrin Süer (M+D Mimarlık).