Luncheon – 26.09.2024

26 September 2024- Grand Hyatt Istanbul

ABOUT FELIX PIRSON: Prof. Dr. Felix Pirson is a renowned German classical archaeologist, currently serving as the director of the Istanbul branch of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) and leading the Pergamon Excavations since 2006. He earned his MA and PhD in classical archaeology from LMU Munich, an MPhil from Cambridge University, and a postdoctoral lecture qualification (“Habilitation”) from Leipzig University, where he is an Honorary Professor. His early career involved working as a research assistant at the Rome branch of the DAI and as an assistant professor at Leipzig University.

Pirson’s research focuses on ancient urbanism, the spatial organization of ancient cities, domestic architecture, the archaeology of the Vesuvian cities (like Pompeii and Herculaneum), and the ancient city of Pergamon in modern-day Turkey. He also explores ancient relief sculptures, particularly those depicting war and violence. His current research interests include Pergamon and Pompeii, cities and micro-regions in the ancient Mediterranean, and historical human-environment interaction.

In addition to his role at DAI, Pirson is a visiting scholar and senior fellow at various institutions, including the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University (ISAW). He has held guest professorships, including at the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris, and teaches at Istanbul Technical University and Leipzig University, where he became an honorary professor in 2010. He is also a member of several international archaeological institutes.

Throughout his career, Pirson has contributed to several important archaeological publications and is involved in editorial activities for multiple academic journals.

ABOUT PERGAMON: The Pergamon Excavations, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Felix Pirson, have revealed a city that was once one of the most significant cultural and political centers of the Hellenistic world. Nestled high on a dramatic hillside in modern-day Turkey, Pergamon flourished as a major metropolis during the Attalid dynasty, blending stunning architecture with artistic grandeur.

The excavation site itself is a vivid tableau of history, revealing layers of urban life over centuries. Among the most remarkable finds are the massive Altar of Zeus, with its intricate friezes depicting the battle between gods and giants, and the towering theater carved into the steep slopes of the acropolis, offering sweeping views over the surrounding valleys. Walking through the ruins, you can imagine the once-bustling agora, where citizens engaged in trade and debate, and the monumental temples dedicated to Athena and Dionysus, which showcase Pergamon’s devotion to the gods.

Pergamon is also celebrated for its vast library, said to have been second only to Alexandria’s, housing thousands of scrolls that attracted scholars from all over the Mediterranean. The site reflects the intersection of Greek, Roman, and Eastern influences, seen in the blend of architectural styles and urban planning. The ongoing excavations continue to unearth details about daily life, urban development, and the complex socio-political fabric of this ancient city. The site embodies not just the grandeur of ancient architecture but also the human stories behind the city’s rise to prominence and its role as a cultural beacon in the ancient world.

Propeller Club 2023-2025 Social Responsibility Project

The Propeller Club – Port of İstanbul (2023-2025) has initiated a cooperation Project with the Turkish University Women’s Association (TÜKD) to contribute to the education of female university students.

TÜKD, founded (1949) by the first and leading university graduates of the Republic of Türkiye, is one of the oldest associations in Türkiye. TÜKD, provides economic support as well as guidance to female university students from low-income families, with an extraordinary success rate at the annual university exam.

The female students come from very different social backgrounds and study at different universities. Their common characteristic is that they are all successful young talents. We believe that in the near future they will take part in the business world or in the social and political decision-making mechanisms of our country. As Propeller Club we have developed a project to support these young female talents with a corporate-social touch, while they are approaching to the entry level of professional world.

We host a female university student at each luncheon event. While the students have the opportunity to introduce themselves to an audience of business people, they also explore opportunities for internship and job offers.

At Propeller Club, we believe it is our duty to contribute to our society. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, success of Turkish women in every field is definitely our hope and aspiration for a prosperous future.

September Scholarship: Mahbub Reyhan Ay

Education:
Boğaziçi University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Bachelor of Economics, 2nd Year
Istanbul, Turkey | 2022 – Present
Ranked 148th in the 2022 YKS (Equal Weight) across Turkey

I am currently pursuing my studies at one of Turkey’s leading institutions, Boğaziçi University. My academic journey in economics is fueled by a deep interest in understanding market dynamics and economic policies that shape societies.

EXPLORE SARDES AND BERGAMA: A JOURNEY THROUGH ANCİENT HISTORY

13-14 OCTOBER 2024

October 13, 2024, Sunday: İstanbul – İzmir – Bergama

08.00-09.15 – İstanbul Airport- Adnan Menderes Airport TK2312 (Our suggested flight)

10.00 – Greeting at the airport followed by a tour of Bergama,

• Meet to Professor Felix Pirson in Bergama
• Overnight stay at D-Resort Ayvalık Murat Reis

October 14, 2024, Monday: Izmir – Istanbul

• Breakfast at the hotel,
• Drive to Salihli, Manisa; a guided tour of the ancient city of Sardes, the former capital of the Lydian Kingdom,
• Lunch in a local restaurant,
• Transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight to

18.00-19.30 – Adnan Menderes Airport- İstanbul Airport- TK2331 (Our suggested flight)