Expressing disappointment that many of the artifacts excavated in Knidos could still be found abroad, Doksanaltı stated: "Many artifacts obtained by travelers and researchers, which are often far from archaeological or scientific in method, have been taken to museums abroad. The works carried out by British archaeologist Charles Newton in Knidos from 1857-1859 are the most striking of these excavations. Artifacts obtained during Newton's work constitute some of the most beautiful collections of London's British Museum today. The Lion of Cnidus, which was taken from here, greets visitors coming into the museum in the entrance courtyard to this day."
Doksanaltı said that the excavations by Turkish experts were launched in Knidos in 1988 and have continued under his own supervision since 2012, noting that the team focused on restoring the ancient city. He stated that, instead of opening new excavation areas, they had focused on closing the excavation pits that caused the city to appear in ruins and on repairing ruined artifacts. He further noted that the port street, one of the famous streets of Knidos, had been unearthed and shown to visitors in recent years. The artifacts recovered from the excavation are on display at the Marmaris Museum.
Doksanaltı said visitors enjoy reaching the city by way of the sea, in particular, and that recreational sightseeing vessels, boats and private yachts are anchored in the Port of Knidos.
Remarking that the number of visitors to the city has gained increasing momentum, Doksanaltı said: "Western visitors, in particular, take great interest in the city. There has also been a huge increase in the number of domestic visitors in recent years"
Noting the 40,000 visitors welcomed since June 15 despite the coronavirus pandemic, Doksanaltı said, "This data is significant, showing that visitor interest increases every year alongside ongoing excavations and unearthings."
