The Uluburun Exhibit: An Interim Project

The excavation of 14^th. Century B.C. Uluburun Bronze Age Shipwreck was concluded in 1994. Initially directed by Dr. George F. Bass and continued by Dr. Cemal Pulak, the results of this project will be ready for display in Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. As the Institute of Nautical Archaeology conservation team under the direction of Ms. Claire Peachey continues to preserve and prepare the spectacular finds of the excavation, Bodrum Museum, under the relentless direction of its energetic director Mr. Oguz Alpozen, has constructed the final home for the ship. The imposing stone building, consisting of one main gallery and two side exhibit halls, is located behind the English Tower and is awaiting her guest of honor, the Uluburun Shipwreck.

3400 year old finds are proving difficult to conserve: the artifacts are extremely fragile and conservation is proving to be demanding. Even though a large number of the artifacts are ready for display, there are still a few years ahead of the conservation and exhibit team before the ship is ready for the appreciation of the Bodrum Museum visitors.

As the world is impatiently awaiting this oncoming historical event, Tufan Turanli, INA’s Director of Operations in Turkey, has initiated a project to satisfy the impatience of Uluburun Excavation’s devoted followers: An Interim Uluburun Hall. Supported by Alpozen, Bass and Pulak, Turanli is designing a temporary home for the ship in the entrance hall of the main building. Turanli, who is also a cinematographer, will be displaying three of his productions related to Uluburun in this hall.

Please enjoy a draft plan and 3-D views of the proposed Hall. Your suggestions and support will be appreciated.