Archaeology in the Ottoman Aegean: Consuls – Culture – Commerce

This project provides new insights into archaeological exploration and exploitation on 19th century Ottoman Rhodes. It examines the provenance of antiquities that were excavated on the island in 1880–1882 by British consuls, Alfred and Albert Biliotti, together with a sea captain. The objects were sold at a Sotheby’s auction in London in 1885, organised by the British Museum and attended by representatives of museums in Berlin and Karlsruhe.

Through the collection in question, the project investigates the historical relationship between archaeology, museums, and the antiquities market. It will demonstrate how Aegean islands and islanders in the Late Ottoman Empire were especially vulnerable to cultural appropriation, focusing on the role of specific technologies of collecting in seafaring regions. The results will supply an essential foundation for research into maritime actor-networks in the Aegean antiquities trade.

2023 marked the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, signed in 1923. This international peace treaty saw the official end of Ottoman occupation in the Dodecanese islands, and their formal annexation by Italy until 1947. The project is therefore provides a timely occasion to reevaluate the legacy of archaeology in the Ottoman Aegean, strengthening ties for international research and collaboration between Greece, Germany, Turkey, and the UK. Its outputs include a monograph and touring documentary exhibition.

Project Team:
Dr. Nicholas Salmon (Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe)
Dr. Katarina Horst (Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe)
Dr. Efthimios Maheras (University of the Aegean)
Professor Manolis Stefanakis (University of the Aegean)

© Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe