Petitioning Politicians to Preserve History

Concerned about extensive damage being inflicted on the archaeological remains at the Thamanin site by mechanized agriculture, I met with the governor of Şırnak Province, Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan; the mayor of the city of Şırnak, Mayor Mehmet Yarka; and the head of Şırnak University, Rector Prof. Dr. M. Emin Erkan. They promised to see it to it that the site was protected from further damage. 

I subsequently found an ally in the impressive Syriac scholar Dr. Nicholas Al-Jeloo. He presented the situation to the eminent archaeologist Dr. Gani Tarkan, who oversees excavations for both Mardin and Şırnak Provinces. When I followed up with him, Dr. Tarkan promised to add the site to the list of protected archaeological sites and to schedule its excavation. 

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO) President Osman Geliş very graciously hosted Dr. Al-Jeloo and me for a meal at his stunning home. He also promised to see to it that the site was protected and even offered to provide security and additional resources for the excavations.

My deepest gratitude to all of these powerful and important people for taking the time and expending the resources necessary to protect this important archaeological site. I believe that the knowledge that we gain from its excavation will be rewarding.