Stone World logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Stone World logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • Machinery
    • Digital Technology
    • Tooling & Accessories
  • MATERIALS
    • Alternative Surfaces
    • Stone
    • Tile
    • Imports & Exports Data
  • FABRICATORS
    • Fabricator How-to
    • Fabricator Case Studies
    • Fabricator of the Year
  • A&D
    • Installation & Technical Tips
    • Outdoor Design
    • Interior Design
    • Hospitality | Commercial Design
    • Mosaics & Decorative Tile
    • Kitchen & Bath
    • Residential
    • Renovation | Restoration
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • EBOOK
  • EVENTS
    • STONE INDUSTRY EDUCATION
    • Industry Calendar
  • MORE
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • WOMEN SPOTLIGHT
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • STONE WORLD STORE
  • DIRECTORY
    • TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
    • Stone Suppliers
    • GET LISTED
  • EMAG
    • eMagazines
    • Archives
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!

New marble revives an ancient Turkish landmark

March 1, 2004


Throughout history and since the beginning of time, classic architecture has been created through the use of marble and other natural stones. Today, some of these historic structures require modern stoneworking expertise to repair the scars of time. In the southwest part of the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, the cities of Xanthos and Letoon are home to many historical sites influenced by Lycian and Hellenic art. Some of these sites include the Temple of Artemis, Temple of Leto, Temple of Apollo, Naymphaion, Hellenistic and Roman porticoes and a Roman theater.

Tekmar, a major stone quarrier and fabricator based in Istanbul, Turkey, is currently assisting in the renovation of the “Letoon Temple” by providing its material, Cremo Bello limestone. This material is being supplied with meticulous and skillful workmanship without demolishing the original ruin.

Centuries ago, the early civilizations that occupied these areas were primarily fishermen and farmers. They were well known for their occupations, traditions and culture. Approximately 2,500 years ago this group began to work with stone, and they ultimately mastered the process of stone art, thus making their place in history very significant. They sculpted the stone to make magnificent ramparts, rock tombs, monuments and other sculpted works.

After the invasions of Alexander The Great, cities such as Letoon joined first with the Roman Empire and later with Byzantium, which is now modern-day Turkey. An Englishman, Charles Fellows, discovered the lost city, Lycia, in 1838, although renovations did not begin until 1950.

Excavation has been taking place since 1950, and is now being carried forward by a French team. Since 1988, the Letoon Temple has taken its place on the list of “World Heritage” sites.

The work at the site is extensive. Fluted columns are being carefully reconstructed with a blend of the original stone and new Cremo Bello limestone. Ultimately, the limestone will blend with the original stone, and the integrity of the original architecture is maintained. The decorative column bases and pedestals are also being replicated in Cremo Bello limestone, and Tekmar has also created ornate bases that sit below some of the larger stone blocks on the site. These bases were fabricated using modern technology, and they effectively replicate the original stonework that was formed by hand. Other custom work included curved three-dimensional arches, which are positioned alongside the original stonework.

Some basic blocks of limestone were also fabricated to fill in areas where blocks had deteriorated beyond the point of repair.

Moving beyond cutting and shaping, some intricate work was also done for the project, including engraved stones and intricately carved decorative pieces. “We, the Tekmar Family, are honored and proud to be a part of the renovation and restoration of such a magnificent historical World Heritage site,” stated the company. “Through the use of stone, history is preserved for generations and generations to come.”

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • customer doing research online

    3 Reasons Why Quick Response Time Results in a Successful Fabrication Shop

    Your fabrication shop can have the best website. The best...
    Fabricator How-to
    By: Anthony Milia
  • Silica

    Renewed National Attention Ignites Over Silicosis Epidemic

    A major investigative report published on March 12, 2026...
    Industry Insights
    By: Jason Kamery
  • shipping containers

    U.S. Countertop Material Imports: February 2026

    U.S. countertop material imports collapsed in February...
    Stone
    By: Jason Kamery
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

cal osha

Cal/OSHA Standards Board to Vote May 21 on Engineered Stone Ban Petition

shipping containers

U.S. Countertop Materials Imports: March 2026

kitchen

Building a Reputation on Strong Craftsmanship and Customer Service

Fabricator Focus

From profiles to roundtable discussions, Q&As to best business practices, we're turning a focus on topics and challenges impacting fabricators.

AI Talk Is Everywhere -- Where Does a Countertop Fabricator Begin?

Fabricators Discuss Pros and Cons of Chip Repair

How to Grow a Countertop Fabrication Shop

Events

June 25, 2026

North Carolina Stone Summit

You’ve probably heard a lot lately about how to calculate the profit for each job you produce. You likely have production benchmarks based on square footage since it’s the most common production metric in the industry. Come learn how focusing on these metrics can hurt your profitability and what to do about it.

July 16, 2026

Washington Stone Summit

Join us for "Taking Your Organization to the Next Level," a session dedicated to transforming your business practices. Discover strategies for setting clear agendas, encouraging participation, and driving actionable outcomes. Learn how to foster collaboration and communication, ensuring that every meeting enhances productivity and contributes to your business goals.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Tariffs and Quartz Imports

If high tariffs are placed on U.S. quartz imports, how will this affect your business?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

Restoration & Maintenance Technical Module

Restoration & Maintenance Technical Module

See More Products
	
3 Reasons Why Quick Response Time Results in a Successful Fabrication Shop

Related Articles

  • Renovation and Restoration: Restoring the character of an historic landmark

    See More
  • Restoring the Character of an Historic Landmark

    See More
  • Modernizing an historic landmark

    See More
×

Our Newsletters are a rock solid source of industry insights!

Stay in the know on the international stone and tile industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing