The Gordion Region Digital Twin Project, initiated in 2024 by the Ankara Branch of the Chamber of Survey and Cadastre Engineers and with the contributions of volunteer participants, has been ongoing for over a year. Dr. Mehmet Doğruluk, who is leading the project's design and digital applications, presented the initial results to representatives from academia, public institutions, and professional organizations at the Cultural Heritage Measurements Workshop held in Polatlı on September 5-6, 2025.
Dr. Mehmet Doğruluk, Lecturer at our University's Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, shared the following information about this new study:
"With its 130 registered tumuli, the ancient city of Gordion stands out as one of the richest cultural landscapes in Anatolian archaeology. Previous studies by the University of Pennsylvania indicated that there could be many more tumuli in the area than those recorded. However, no comprehensive surface survey had been conducted to date, and recent morphological changes in the registered tumuli had not been systematically documented.
The new study produced the highest-resolution digital surface model to date for the 2,200-hectare area, which includes the Midas Mound. Spatial analysis of this model identified over 400 surface anomalies (potential new tumuli) consistent with tumulus morphology. In addition, surface deformations that have occurred in the last five years in some registered tumuli have been documented. These new findings reveal that Gordion has a much richer and more diverse archaeological potential than previously thought, while also bringing to the fore the need for new conservation strategies to pass on the tumuli to future generations."
Public awareness
A multi-layered virtual tour covering the Midas Mound and Gordion Museum has been prepared to increase the visibility of Gordion. This virtual tour offers the opportunity to experience the spatial context of the area from the air; it is expected to raise awareness of digital exploration and increase visitor interest.
Future work
The research scope of the project is planned to be expanded. The current project outputs will provide concrete data for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's registration process for new tumuli and the conservation planning of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gordion; the virtual tour will enhance public access to and awareness of the findings.
Gordion virtual tour
