Metropolis Ancient City Excavations

Bringing a Heritage of Thousands of Years to Light

Since 1990, we at the Sabancı Foundation have proudly supported the archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Metropolis, nestled between the villages of Yeniköy and Özbey in İzmir’s Torbalı district. Thanks to our long-term commitment, this remarkable cultural heritage site—whose history stretches from the Late Neolithic period to the Ottoman era—has become accessible to all, inviting the public to engage with Türkiye’s rich historical tapestry.
Over the years, excavations have uncovered significant structures such as the Hellenistic Theater, Bouleuterion, Stoa, Roman bath complexes, mosaicked halls, peristyle houses, and ancient streets—alongside more than 11,000 artifacts including ceramics, coins, sculptures, and architectural fragments. Today, many of these finds are proudly displayed in prominent museums across the region.
By supporting Metropolis, we ensure that this unique legacy is not only preserved but also shared—empowering people from all walks of life to explore, learn from, and be inspired by the deep roots of Anatolian civilization.