From Central Asia to the Balkans: Ram and Sheep-Shaped Tombstones Go on Display in Diyarbakır for the First Time
The Diyarbakır Museum has unveiled ram and sheep-shaped tombstones that had remained in storage for 91 years. These sculpted stones, carved from basalt and limestone, were not only markers of the dead but also symbols of identity, gender, and social status in medieval Anatolia. Founded in 1934, the Diyarbakır Museum is one of Türkiye’s oldest
Baptistery Discovered in Antandros: From Roman Villa to Christian Rituals
A significant archaeological discovery has been made in the ancient city of Antandros, located in Türkiye’s Balıkesir province near the slopes of Mount Ida (Kazdağları). Excavations revealed that a structure originally built as part of a Roman villa was later converted into a baptistery following Christianity’s recognition as the official religion of the Roman Empire
After a 6,000-Year-Old Temple, Roman-Era Road Discovered at Tadım Castle
Archaeologists excavating Tadım Castle, located 12 kilometers south of Elazığ, have uncovered a Roman-era stone-paved road, believed to have been used by kings or members of the nobility. The road features edge curbs and carefully laid paving stones, indicating it was reserved for high-ranking individuals of the period. This discovery follows the unearthing of a
1,600-Year-Old Saint George Church in Diyarbakır Reopens as Art Gallery After Earthquake Restoration
In Diyarbakır’s historic İçkale district, the 1,600-year-old Saint George Church has risen again after suffering severe damage in the devastating earthquakes of February 6, 2023. Originally built in the 4th century CE by the Romans as an administrative church, the structure will reopen on August 10 as an art gallery. The restoration, led by the
Water Flows Again After 1,900 Years in the Roman Bath of the “City of Gladiators” Stratonikeia
In a scene that revived the grandeur of antiquity, water has flowed once more into the Roman bath of Stratonikeia — known as the “City of Gladiators” — after 1,900 years. Following meticulous excavation and restoration works, the pool was refilled using its original water channel, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the engineering of
From the Neolithic Age to the Present: The Discovery of the “Vessel Within a Vessel” at Karahantepe is Revolutionizing Historical Narratives
An extraordinary collection of 485 pieces from the Karahantepe region of Şanlıurfa was featured at the International Archaeology Symposium and “The Golden Age of Archaeology” exhibition held at the Presidential National Library in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye. Among these, a unique stone vessel containing a smaller vessel stands out as the oldest and most
New Clues of a Late Byzantine Production Zone Uncovered at Kadıkalesi (Anaia) in Western Türkiye
Archaeological excavations at the historic site of Kadıkalesi (ancient Anaia) in Kuşadası, western Türkiye, have revealed compelling traces of glass and ceramic production dating back to the 13th century. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suna Çağaptay from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, the excavations uncovered two new architectural spaces, one of which yielded pithos fragments—large storage
Excavations Resume at Komana: Sacred City of the Anatolian Goddess Ma
Archaeologists have resumed excavations at the ancient city of Komana in Tokat, northern Türkiye, a sacred site once dedicated to the powerful Anatolian goddess Ma. The 2025 season began in early July and will continue until August 15, led by Prof. Dr. Burcu Erciyas of the Middle East Technical University (METU), with the support of
Nano Lime Technology Strengthens Giant Statues on Mount Nemrut
The monumental statues atop Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are undergoing advanced conservation efforts using nano lime technology. Initiated in 2022, the restoration work has yielded promising results, leading to the expansion of the project in 2025. Located at an altitude of 2,206 meters, Mount Nemrut hosts colossal stone sculptures that have endured
Archaeologists Discover Centuries-Old Prayer Tablet and Ottoman-Era Treasures in Eastern Türkiye
Archaeologists working at the historic Bitlis Castle in eastern Türkiye have unearthed a rare centuries-old prayer tablet along with Ottoman-era coins, ceramic fragments, an ancient water distribution system, and several graves. The discovery is shedding new light on the region’s diverse religious and cultural history. The excavation, authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and