The society Diskeles – Synergy for the Cultural Heritage of the Anatolian Mediterranean Region was founded in February 2018 by private initiative and is dedicated to the preservation and mediation of the material (tangible) and non-material (intangible) cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region of Anatolia.
The Anatolian Mediterranean region is defined as the coastal band from the Bodrum peninsula as far as Antakya (Hatay), which includes the ancient cultural landscapes of Caria, Lycia, Milyas, Pamphylia and Cilicia, and which has been the focus of European humanistic research already since the 19th century.
The society’s name, Diskeles, is derived from the ancient Greek word δισκελής (two-legged) and reflects one of the main objectives of the society, namely, a bridging between science and community, as well as between west and east, and Europe and Asia Minor.
Members of the society are any individual persons and corporate entities who feel connected with the region scientifically, intellectually, culturally and emotionally, and who wish to communicate and protect the material and non-material cultural heritage of this area. The society is non-profit and acts independently of any political or religious groups and/or organisations.