Historians, geographers to gather for Piri Reis

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Twenty-eight maps drawn by Piri Reis will be displayed in Turkey by UNESCO. AA photo

Due to the fact that 2013 has been declared by UNESCO as the 500th Anniversary of the Piri Reis Map, Ankara University will host the International Piri Reis Symposium on April 12.

According to a written statement released by Professor İhsan Çiçek from the university’s Faculty of Languages, History and Geography, the symposium will be attended by many Turkish and foreign researchers.

Within the scope of the Piri Reis events, UNESCO will display 28 maps drawn by Piri Reis in Turkey and two 2.5 meter Piri Reis busts will be added to the Ankara University campus and the Altındağ Hamamönü.

Çiçek said Piri Reis was not just an admiral but also an important scientist. “He obeyed all of today’s ethical conditions in his period. He mentioned all sources and people that he benefited. Maybe his ethic character is the reason why he is known by the world today. He will also be remembered millions of years later,” he said.