It was saddening to read that the building which houses the small finds from the entire archaeological site had partially collapsed after being weakened by recent torrential rainfall, though such news was not surprising, writes Glenn Maffia.

It was during the summer of 2012 when I was conversing with the archaeologists, once more, when I was told the roof of the building was in a precarious state of decay.

They mooted the point that this could easily be resolved by the archaeologist’s structural engineer, a man of immense experience. I never pushed the point at that particular time though it was apparent that the financing of this project was the stumbling block.

Fast forward to 2018 when the ‘Exchange of Populations’ house was being considered and funding came with promptness, probably due to the fact so many descendants of those Turks who were transported to Didim from northern Greece still live within the town. It was, and is, an important memorial to their ancestors. As a historian I welcome that view.

Though the funding was in place it was far from certain where it was to be located. Two sites were in contention; the large two-storied house standing upon the hill directly in front of the temple’s façade and the old Greek hospital (the small finds house). Both were in a bad state of repair.

As we know the house on the hill won the honours. I’ve no opinion of that, but why was the old Greek hospital not considered for at least a new roof to protect its walls? It is a pertinent comment considering all the projects pencilled in for the seaside area of town I have been reading about: testimony in my eyes to a lack of ambition.

It is all very well constructing an ‘amphitheatre’ (actually the plans and visualisation image depict a theatre not an amphitheatre, learn to tell the difference) but for what ends shall it be used?

I cannot believe that it shall be for any elevated usage which echoes the past glories for such auditoriums. It will probably play venue to some rather mediocre rock band playing too loud and lighting up the sky with boring laser lights and a pyrotechnic display. It has all been done before.

I suppose the planting of flowers along the roads lined by ugly concrete apartment blocks may add a splash of colour to deflect the view. One can also notice how the main beachfront establishments are now all sanitised into a bland pastiche now devoid of character.

If anything, the old Greek hospital needs tender care, love and resolute attention. I trust that it shall be forthcoming.