| | | | The daily newspaper Hürriyet reported in its Tuesday edition that David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, a former academic of ancient languages and archeology, had shown an interest in the ongoing Zeugma project. It reported that Packard had expressed a desire to contribute to the project and after negotiations with the authorities in charge, signed a protocol for the donation of $5 million by the Packard Humanities Institute. This amount, it is said, may be raised to $10 million if necessary.
LOW-PROFILE DONATION
Wishing to remain low-profile, David Packard said the donation was a contribution of the Packard Humanities Institute and not a personal one. He explained that the Institute was concerned with archeological programs around the world and that, as its head and founder, he had suggested and initiated a donation to Zeugma. Packard’s donation, it was noted, did not find its way into the Turkish news agencies, presumably because of his inaccessibility to reporters.
IN SUPPORT OF A MOSAIC MUSEUM
In an interview with Hürriyet, Packard said he fully supported Turkish businessmen who were contributing their efforts and funds to the Zeugma project. Stating that there were many projects to be taken on in Turkey, Packard said his Institute would be interested in further cooperation in future archeological and cultural missions. He stressed the importance of preserving the valuable mosaics and frescoes retrieved from ancient sites at appropriate locations, and said that the Packard Humanities Institute could also channel funds to support the establishment of a museum for this purpose.
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The eyes of Zeugma are upon us
