Sardes and Bintepe archaeological sites to be protected by drones

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has launched a new Aerial Monitoring and Security Center to protect the Sardes Ancient City and the Bintepe Lydian Tumuli in Manisa. The initiative aims to prevent illegal excavations and the destruction of historical artifacts through advanced technology.

The Bintepe region covers approximately 75 square kilometers and contains over 120 monumental tombs, including the tomb of Lydian King Alyattes. The site is currently being prepared for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025. To combat past damage caused by heavy machinery during illegal digs, the ministry is deploying long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with night vision capabilities.

The security center, located in a renovated excavation house at Karnıyarık Tepe, utilizes two advanced drone systems and a three-antenna communication network to ensure full coverage. Security personnel at the center have undergone specialized UAV pilot training to enable immediate response to suspicious activities.