Gürok Group continues to support the excavation and restoration works carried out in the Ancient City of Aizanoi, located in the Çavdarhisar district of Kütahya and considered one of Anatolia’s most significant archaeological sites with a history spanning 5,000 years. Having contributed as the main excavation sponsor since 2020, Gürok Group has extended its sponsorship agreement for Aizanoi for another year.
Included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and often referred to as the “Second Ephesus,” the Ancient City of Aizanoi holds great cultural heritage value with Anatolia’s best-preserved Temple of Zeus, as well as its Roman-era theater and stadium. The ongoing works at the site aim to preserve this unique heritage and pass it on to future generations. Within the scope of the works carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a comprehensive restoration process is underway to protect, reinforce, and uncover the key structures of the ancient city.
A sustainable contribution to Kütahya’s cultural heritage
Emphasizing Gürok Group’s long-term support for the excavation and restoration works in Aizanoi to enhance Kütahya’s tourism potential and increase the visibility of its cultural heritage, Gürok Group Vice President of the Board Esin Güral Argat stated:
“We see creating value for the lands we were born in as a responsibility toward future generations. Through our support for the Ancient City of Aizanoi, we aim not only to contribute to the preservation of a heritage spanning thousands of years but also to strengthen Kütahya’s cultural and tourism potential. We believe that sustainable development is only possible through the combined advancement of industry, tourism, and cultural heritage. In this respect, we take great pride in being part of the work carried out in Aizanoi and contributing to carrying this unique value into the future.”
Emphasis on public-private sector collaboration
Zekeriya Ünal, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism of Kütahya, also shared the following remarks:
“We attach great importance to public-private sector collaborations in preserving and passing on Kütahya’s rich cultural heritage to future generations. We would like to thank Gürok Group for its continuous support for the excavation and restoration works carried out in the Ancient City of Aizanoi. Such long-term contributions play a significant role both in sustaining our cultural values and in strengthening Kütahya’s position as a tourism destination.”
A 5,000-year-old heritage carried into the future
The excavation works carried out in the Ancient City of Aizanoi reveal settlement traces dating back to 3000 BC, while structures such as the Temple of Zeus, the ancient theater, the stadium, and the Macellum—considered one of the world’s first stock exchanges—highlight the historical richness of the region.
The works carried out with the support of Gürok Group aim not only to advance archaeological excavation efforts but also to preserve Kütahya’s cultural identity, strengthen its position as a tourism destination, and support local development.