Although excavations in Side have been ongoing since the 1940s, a large number of artefacts and many buildings are still hidden underneath the modern housing. The old city was abandoned by the end of the 10th century, and it was only in the early 20th century that a new settlement, named Selimiye, arose on top of the ruins. A group of Muslim exiles from Crete built their houses on top and among the sand blown remains of old Side (see: Side did not put up any resistance).
[Picture from the Hurriyet Daily News]
As it seems, daily life took precedence over archaeology, and as a result, much of ancient Side is waiting to be exposed to view. According to the latest news, measures have been taken to prevent illegal constructions and implement the conservation of old Side. They have gone as far as to demolish illegal buildings and additions and to reconstruct them in their historical context.
It is quite exciting to hear that since 2016 many streets and squares have been renovated and I wonder whether the coat of asphalt smeared over the Roman Decumanus has been removed as well.
In November 2019, several floor mosaics from the late Roman/early Byzantine period were unearthed and will now be covered with a thick, unbreakable glass plate. This way, locals, as well as foreign tourists, will be able to enjoy the artwork.
Another striking find happened in 2017. A letter addressed by Emperor Gallienus to Side in 266 or 267 AD was unearthed. A copy of this text now replaces the original, which has been moved to the Museum of Side
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