Professor Roland R. R. Smith, from Oxford University, is studying Aphrodisias excavation in Aydın for 31 years. Spending half of his life on excavation sites, Prof. Smith states that he is glad to be in Turkey.

Archaeologist Prof. Smith has started his career in Turkey in Aphrodisias Ancient City in 1985 under the supervision of Prof. Kenan Erim. After Prof. Erim’s demise Prof. Smith has promoted to excavation supervisor in Aphrodisias Ancient City excavation.

Prof. Smith has stated that he misses haricot beans the most when he leaves Turkey, “This is a conventional, culturally rich country. Turkey has lots of potential. This is my second nation” he added.

Stating that he is not thinking of retirement, he wants to supervise the excavation unless he has health issues. “I have dedicated my life to this excavation. The knowledge and discoveries I obtained from Aphrodisias shows that my efforts have not gone to waste. We have surfaced many historic artifacts” Prof. Smith said.

Cem Ulusan / Aydın – DHA