During excavations in the ancient city of Amastris in Bartın, a statue initially believed to be of a water nymph was unearthed three meters below the surface. Following ongoing examinations to determine its characteristics, including features reminiscent of both Aphrodite and a water nymph, the statue was ceremoniously exhibited at the Amasra Museum.

Measuring 1.53 meters in height, the statue was discovered during drilling activities aimed at identifying the foundation of a Gymnasium structure from the ancient city, dating back to the 2nd century AD. Detailed examination by academics and experts from Bartın University and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism compared the statue with approximately 20 other Aphrodite statues found in Turkey. Ultimately, it was confirmed that the statue indeed depicts Aphrodite.

Güray Can Aytekin, Deputy Director of the Amasra Museum, explained, “Our original goal was to reach the foundation of the Gymnasium structure, and we encountered the statue approximately 4 meters below the ground. We carefully removed it intact. Initially identified as a water nymph due to its discovery near what was thought to be a pool, further analysis led to its identification as resembling Aphrodite more closely.”