Archaeologists discovered a 2,600-year-old sacred chamber and a stone symbolizing the goddess Kubaba at Oluz Mound

Excavations at Oluz Mound, located in the Toklucak village of Amasya in northeastern Türkiye, have uncovered a sacred chamber and stone dating back to the Phrygian period, approximately 2,600 years ago.

Prof. Şevket Dönmez, a faculty member of the Department of Archaeology at Istanbul University, stated that the discovery is a first in Anatolian archaeology. He emphasized the significance of finding a sacred stone associated with the goddess Kubaba.

He stated, “The discovery of a sacred chamber and its associated sacred stone is unprecedented in the field of Anatolian archaeology.”

The find, which includes a 20-square-meter structure dedicated to Kubaba and altars, aligns with historical records regarding the presence of a black stone representing the goddess.

“Historical texts mention a black stone symbolizing the goddess Kubaba. Finding a sacred stone in a square structure dedicated to her in Central Anatolia holds significant importance in Anatolian archaeology. This discovery revitalizes written sources and provides tangible evidence of the relationship between the sacred stone and the mother goddess. This connection dates back to the 6th century BCE,” explained Professor Dönmez.

“We believe that more discoveries will emerge from this sacred area. It may even represent the transition to monotheism in Anatolia.”

Layers from different periods have been uncovered at Oluz Mound, demonstrating that the region has been a long-term settlement center.

At Oluz Mound, which has hosted various civilizations such as the Hittites, Persians, Roma and Medes, a 2,500-year-old Persian road, the first-ever fire houses (Ateşgede) found in Anatolia, and a religious complex featuring a multi-columned temple have been excavated.