On her own behalf and behalf of the entire university community, Rector Antonella Polimeni expresses deep sorrow for the consequences of the strong earthquake that hit the area on the border between Turkey and Syria on the night of February 6 and expresses solidarity with the populations affected by the earthquake violence. In particular, sympathy goes to the families of the earthquake victims, whose number has risen hour by hour during the rescue operations.

The areas affected by this devastating earthquake are the cradle of ancient civilizations and cultures. The excavations of the ancient Arslantepe itself, where Sapienza has been carrying out an archaeological mission for over 60 years, are located in the metropolitan area of Malatya, which is close to the epicentre and has been heavily hit.