The commercialization and commodification of the excavated past occupy a contentious place in contemporary archaeological discourse––such consumption of the past is on full display at Antiochia ad Cragum. Every day, we observe gaggles of tourists hiking past our site on their way to the Acropolis. They stop and stare, photographing our work to background their vacation memories. To me, they are a mild annoyance. I find myself more exasperated at the abundance of inappropriate footwear. (Flip-flops are not rock-climbing attire.)
Yet, I hesitate to distance myself from this image of ignorant tourists––I am hardly removed from them. I do not possess cultural ties to the people, the land, or the culture. I am a stranger, but allow me this one moment of authority. What differentiates me, an archaeological intern, from a tourist? I did my research. I recognize the significance of my presence and the consequences of my participation, and I continue to learn by living among the locals.
Only under these conditions may I critique the tourism industry. How will continued tourism impact archaeology on the Acropolis? How will it affect the endurance of local people with ties to the ancient past?
While the Acropolis no longer serves its original purpose, it lives as a piece of historical data. It is a valuable source of information. That is not to dissuade the present from enjoying the past. But what happens when the present poops on the past? (Literally, someone defecated up there.) The consequence of tourism on the Acropolis is the degradation of a cultural heritage site. I mourn the information lost to looters and vandals, and I can only sympathize with the sentiments of the locals and cultural descendants.
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is responsible for protecting (and selling) the Acropolis. The ancient landmark, one of many, draws tourists to Gazipaşa, funneling domestic and international revenue into the country. The tourism sector contributes a sizable amount to Turkey’s GDP, so it is not likely to diminish its cash cow.
You can see the sticky situation, and I do not have an easy solution. I am the lowest man on the proverbial totem pole of heritage protection; however, it is my responsibility to do the bare minimum: recognize my position and engage in archaeological conversations.
Sunday, August 6, 2023