Ancient sailors navigated in still waters with anything that floated, things made out of wood or leather, and with oars and currents, under the guidance of the shore. Then came the advent of sail; sailors started to use the wind as their primary force, rather than that of their own, their slaves, or animals. This invention, for centuries, was the easiest, and cheapest way to navigate. It carried people, cultures, cargos and love to far away lands. And the story, in other words the history of the seamen started in the Mediterranean, that is ‘between the continents’. Just out of curiosity; can’t we call it as the 7th continent?

Roughly 3.500 years ago, a trade ship, that was carrying the wealth of some of the most advanced civilizations of the era, sunk along the Mediterranean coastline of Turkey with the secrets of the Bronze Age. The cargo of the ship was priceless; almost 20.000 pieces, from the royal seal of Queen Nephertiti, to jewels, gold and amber, Mycenaean vessels to ivory, Cypriot earthenware pots, and war tools. All were lost for centuries as the ship laid silently at the bottom of the sea.

The ship and its secrets awakened in 1982. Archaeologist George Bass and his team have been excavating ancient shipwrecks along the coast of Asia Minor. They reflected a strong light to the mystery of the Bronze Age by the shipwreck they discovered at Uluburun. The rare findings of Uluburun have excited the world of archaeology and science for the last two decades. And the amazing information about the ship was not limited to its load!

The Uluburun wreck is considered one of the most significant discoveries of the past century. This is the oldest known shipwreck as well as the oldest known merchant vessel. Research of scientific data relating to the excavation started back in 1984, and it still goes on. And so far, over 22.000 dives were made to bring the pieces back to day light.

It is the first boat discovered, that was built for long hull voyages that is known for its rotation. The ships of the Bronze Age sailed on a circular course. This course was around 1.700 miles long, starting from the shores of Syria & Palestine, stretching to Cyprus, and reaching to Egypt and the Aegean.

Uluburun II, as we call the replica, was built by a technique known as the "shell-first method", which involves building up the planks first, then frames without nails. We were enthusiastic about this project, however none of us ever worked in a shipyard before! A few weeks passed, and we found a shipyard owner who was as enthusiastic. He accepted our offer, to be the first to re-build a bronze age boat!

We have worked on this project for over a year. Initial step was the keel of Uluburun II, supposedly the easiest part to build. However, without nails, using tennon-mortise lock system, things got harder – especially when we got the tools in our hands. Then came the planks, frame, and caulking...

Uluburun II was launched on March 02, 2005. Our anxiety turned into gratification from the moment we got on the boat. Sailing on a boat that you’ve worked on - especially if it’s a replica of a 3500 years old ship - is astonishing. It was as if I have heard the Aegean say; “I know this ship!”

We sailed north, but we had to stop off the coast of Troy, due to prevailing north wind, just like Jason and Argonauts, or Agamemnon. They were unable to sail upwind either. So we decided to turn south, to Marmaris, for the Maritime Festival...

article by SRM travel guide Sidar Duman - edited by Tankut Aran