Pompeiopolis events begin in Kastamonu

Kastamonu, a city in the Western Black Sea region known for its natural beauty, history, and location, recently hosted a very special cultural and artistic event. Kastamonu, which hosts a wide range of activities during the summer months, from water sports competitions on its beaches to Independence Trail events, from Victory Day events to celebrations commemorating the centennial of Atatürk's arrival in Kastamonu, also highlighted Pompeiopolis, a lesser-known ancient Roman city in the Western Black Sea region, on September 6-7.

Located in the Zımbıllıtepe area of ​​the Taşköprü district, the ancient city of Pompeiopolis, dating back to 64 BC, is expected to be the largest ancient site in the region when excavations are completed. Excavated finds such as inscriptions and coins depicting theater masks confirm that Pompeiopolis was once a renowned city for its musical and theatrical performances and sporting events.

Inspired by this significant archaeological site, the Taşköprü Municipality and the Kastamonu World Heritage Initiative Association (DMKI) launched the Pompeiopolis Music and Theater Festival, which they plan to hold for the first time next term. As part of the celebrations for the centennial of Atatürk's visit to Kastamonu and August 30th, the festival was held with a music and theater event in Taşköprü. The festival was attended by former Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay, who supported archaeological research during his tenure, and distinguished guests. Kastamonu-born soprano Oya Ergün, who continues her career in London, presented a program of classical opera pieces, including "Kalbé Dolan O İlk Bakış" (O First Look at the Heart) by Taşköprü-born composer Erol Sayan, orchestrated by composer-conductor Oğuzhan Balcı, and pieces by Sepetçioğlu.

Cultural center of Paphlagonia

During the Pompeiopolis excavation visit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Eliüşük, the excavation director, provided the following information about the ancient city and the excavation: “We encountered numerous elements in inscriptions and coins indicating that dance, music, theater, and sports festivals were held in Pompeiopolis, a cultural center of Paphlagonia in ancient times, and that these celebrations constituted the city’s fundamental cultural identity. Our priorities are to deepen excavations in the basilica structure, complete the restoration of the Roman Villa and open it to visitors with all its mosaics, and restore the Pompeiopolis Theater as much as possible.”

Taşköprü Mayor Hüseyin Arslan emphasized the numerous events they organize for the residents of Taşköprü, adding, “We see Pompeiopolis, a significant asset for Taşköprü and a privileged location for our district within the entire Western Black Sea region, not only as a historical treasure but also as a key to future development. The people of Taşköprü embrace this heritage with great pleasure. Just as this region was the heart of the region in culture and sports in ancient times, we aim to continue this tradition with the Pompeiopolis Music and Theater Event. Our primary goal is to promote our district by transforming Taşköprü into a cultural destination and to contribute sustainably to the local economy. With this goal in mind, we thank everyone who has contributed to the projects we have initiated this year.”

Zeynep Esen, the term president of DMKI, one of the originators and stakeholders of the Pompeiopolis Music and Theater Festival project, said, “ As DMKI, we have been carrying out events since 2017 to showcase the city's potential and promote Kastamonu. Located within the Taşköprü district of Kastamonu, Pompeiopolis is one of the few examples of ancient Roman presence in the Western Black Sea region. It stands out as a cultural capital, hosting art, theater, and music festivals, sports competitions, and festivities. This year's event is a preliminary preparation for the festival. We also extend our gratitude to the Taşköprü Municipality for their support of this idea and their participation in the project .”