A historical fountain that is one of the major artifacts of an ancient city located in Turkey's western Burdur province has been re-opened after a restoration process that lasted 13 years.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Sagalassos ancient city to mark the opening of the 1,800-year-old "Antoninen Nymphaeum," Turkish Culture & Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay said all the historical artifacts on Turkish territory, regardless of the era they belonged to, were the heritage of Anatolia.

"Today, without separating one from another, we are trying to protect all the artifacts just like Sagalassos and to carry them into the future as common property of humanity," Günay said.

Delivering a speech at the gathering, Marc Waelkens, head of the excavations at Sagalassos for 25 years, said he has given all his energy and health to this ancient city.

"However, Sagalassos made me experience the most beautiful days of my life," the archaeologist said.

The restoration process of the historical fountain was carried out jointly by Turkish gas distributor Aygaz, Belgium's Leuven University and several Belgian institutions. The 28-meter-wide, 9-meter-tall fountain collapsed after a major earthquake around the year 650.

The restoration work at the ancient site started in 1998, and 13 years later water is once again flowing from the fountain.

Hurriyet Daily News