TIRANA, Nov. 2 – As TAP construction work continues, an ancient building complex representing various historical stages was discovered. In the complex, which is located some 140 km from Tirana, close to the Fushà«-Peshtan village, structures were identified dating back from the 6th up to the 17th – 18th centuries.
During survey work that was undertaken before the pipeline construction began along the route it will follow, the geographical position of the discovered archeological site was identified as a high potential area. TAP’s cultural heritage contractor, Abkons, performed archeological rescue activities and unearthed “significant cultural heritage remains” , TAP’s official webpage reports. Thus, TAP experts have decided to reroute the pipeline and leave the site intact, due to the cultural importance of the buildings discovered.
“The archaeological excavations uncovered a building, with the oldest remains dating back from the late antiquity (6th century). It was possible to identify some of the spaces used for storage of agricultural and farming products. Close to these areas, the team also identified the remains of a small church, dating from the same period. Above these ruins, during the Ottoman period (17th – 18th centuries) a large residential complex was built, where we were able to identify Turkish baths (hammams),” Lorenc Bejko, a Cultural Heritage Expert working for TAP, said in a statement by TAP.
A team of more than 50 archeologists and cultural experts have been hired to continuously watch over and safeguard the areas construction work takes place. The rescue and protection of archeological sites along TAP’s route is important, and all cultural heritage elements are documented in the higher standards, meaning they include the legal requirements of Albania, Europe and the cultural heritage industry’s best practices.
To date in Albania, TAP identified nearly 210 sites and cultural monuments near the pipeline route. Back in May, construction works brought in light an ancient settlement in Korà§a, southeastern Albania. TAP cultural heritage experts said the discovery in the Turan village, Korà§a, is an open-air settlement “spanning from the early Iron Age (10th – 9th centuries BC) to the late Roman period (4th – 6th centuries AD)” . Back in mid-2016, TAP contractors also discovered a well-preserved archaeological artifact believed to date back to 6th century in Skrapar area, southern Albania. The find was a 40cm limestone column capital, decorated with engraved floral motifs, believed to have been part of a significant religious monument in the region.
The TAP discoveries unveil the rich cultural heritage in Albania, a gateway to the Mediterranean boasting a mix of Illyrian, Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations. The number of chance finds during construction activities amounts to 30, and archaeological rescue has been performed in 50% of these cases, with other sites being protected.
TAP which is expected to bring gas to Europe through Greece, Albania and Italy is generating one of the country’s largest foreign direct projects, with important benefits for a number of industries, including manufacturing, utilities and transport, Tirana Times has previously reported.
