The first campaign of the Polos Kalesi/Yoğuntas-Survey proceeded 3-22 August 2015 and was conducted as a cooperation project between German Archaeological Institute Istanbul (DAI) and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) under the direction of Dr. Jesko Fildhuth and Dr. Bilge Ar. Survey had been realised with the participation of architecture students Asya Ece Uzmay, Görkem Günay, Mustafa Sayan and PhD cand. Ilgın Külekçi from ITU. 

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Thrace held great political, economical and military importance during Byzantine period. Primary reason for this is its location close to the capital Constantinopolis. This is first of all obvious in the numerous castles and settlements within the region. Skopelos in Kırklareli, which is known as Polos or Yoğuntaş in present day is one of these settlements. It was founded as an Episcopal see in 8th century AD and was occupied until 14th century when it was abandoned after the Ottoman conquest. 

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In accordance with its preservation level and considerable size, and its standing as an administrative and military center as proven by the Byzantine literary sources, the settlement attracted attention for a detailed survey study. The first campaign includes the preparation of drawings and documentation of all architectural elements and archaeological remains on surface.  Main focus of the study is a fortification system including a city wall with towers in varying plan types from different construction phases, a citadel and a partially preserved outer extension. Water supply system with well preserved vaulted cisterns are another focal point in the survey. The large cistern of the city is surprisingly situated outside the city walls. The building remains inside the city walls are also reflected in the prepared plan. With the data of the documentation stages the structure and function of the fortified system is being examined.

A second phase of the survey will include a regional evaluation of the survey data to expand the knowledge on the settlement network of Thrace in Byzantine Period