Researchers are set to restore an ancient winery in the city of Perre, Turkey. This 1,800-year-old landmark, located in one of the five major cities of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene, will become a tourist attraction, reports Arkeonews.
The Kingdom of Commagene, which thrived from 163 BC to 72 AD, is known for its cultural blend of Persian, Greek, and local traditions. Perre played a strategic role due to its location on the route connecting Samsat (Samosata) and Malatya.
Historical records indicate that the city served as a key stop for weary travelers, renowned for its clean water, which still flows from a Roman-era fountain today. It is also famous for its stone tombs, which reflect various religious practices of the time, honoring Greek, Persian, and local deities.
Local authorities have presented a comprehensive plan to restore the ancient winery and integrate traditional winemaking practices with modern technologies. This initiative aims to transform the site into a vibrant attraction, allowing visitors to experience the authentic methods used by ancient winemakers.
Governor Osman Varol emphasized the cultural significance of the project, describing it as an opportunity to recreate history through a detailed four-phase reconstruction of historical winemaking processes.
Restoration work is currently underway, led by the Department of Culture and Tourism, and both local and foreign tourists can visit the site. Lever presses, characteristic of ancient grape mills, will be restored to working condition, enabling visitors to witness these ancient technologies.
Additionally, we shared how an archaeological discovery rewrote the history of the city of Adrianople.