2025 Excavation Season Begins at Antandros Ancient City: Focus on Early Christian Baptistery
The 2025 excavation season has officially started at the ancient city of Antandros, located in the Edremit district of Balıkesir, Türkiye. Led by Prof. Dr. Gürcan Polat, a faculty member at Ege University’s Department of Classical Archaeology, the excavation team continues to uncover the deep-rooted history of the site. Baptistery Becomes the Main Excavation Area
‘Star Watcher’ Figurine Found in Gedikkaya Cave Could Rewrite Human History
Archaeological excavations carried out between 2019 and 2023 in Gedikkaya Cave, located in Bilecik Province, northwest Türkiye, have uncovered groundbreaking evidence that could reshape the narrative of early human settlement. Among the remarkable discoveries is a marble figurine known as the “Star Watcher,” which is believed to date back to the Chalcolithic period (5500–3500 BCE)
Byzantine-Era Chapel to Be Restored at Historic Fethiye Castle in Türkiye
An ancient chapel dating back to the Byzantine period has been uncovered during ongoing archaeological excavations at Fethiye Castle in Muğla, southwestern Türkiye. Restoration efforts are now underway to preserve the structure and open it to visitors. Excavations Continue on the Lower Slopes of the Castle The archaeological work is being carried out in the
2,200-Year-Old Statue Caught in Fishermen’s Net Now on Display at Marmaris Museum
A 2,200-year-old bronze statue of a woman, accidentally discovered by fishermen off the coast of Muğla’s Marmaris district in Türkiye, is now on display for the first time at the Marmaris Museum. The statue, which was found in 2020 in the Hisarönü Gulf by the crew of the fishing vessel Azimler, was caught in their
Excavations Resume at Kurul Fortress, Home to the 2,100-Year-Old Mother Goddess Cybele Statue
Kurul Fortress, perched atop the historic heights of Ordu, has earned its place in archaeological literature as the site where the remarkable 2,100-year-old Mother Goddess Cybele statue was uncovered. Now, the ongoing excavations are preparing to enter their 16th season. Recognized as one of the earliest archaeological fortress excavations in the Black Sea region, Kurul
Türkiye Returns 6,000-Year-Old Cuneiform Clay Tablets to Iraq
Türkiye has respectfully returned six ancient cuneiform clay tablets to Iraq in a formal ceremony, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Mesopotamia. These artifacts, originating from the Old Ur, Akkadian, and Babylonian civilizations, contain valuable records related to economic, administrative, and religious matters. The handover took place at the Republic Museum in Ankara, attended by
2,400-Year-Old Shops to Be Unearthed in Hyllarima, One of Anatolia’s Best-Preserved Ancient Cities
Ongoing archaeological excavations in Hyllarima Ancient City, located in the Kavaklıdere district of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, continue to shed light on the region’s rich past. Known as one of the rare ancient settlements in Anatolia that has remained remarkably well-preserved, Hyllarima is now revealing new secrets—2,400-year-old shop structures located in the heart of the ancient
2025 Excavation Season Begins at Blaundos Ancient City
The 2025 excavation season has officially commenced at the Blaundos Ancient City, located in the Ulubey district of Uşak, western Türkiye. This year’s archaeological efforts will focus on three major areas of the site: the northern temple, the ancient stadium, and the colonnaded street. Experts believe these areas may reveal new insights into the city’s
A Historical Discovery in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region: Rabat Monastery Captivates Visitors
Located in northeastern Türkiye’s Artvin Province, near the border with Georgia, the historic Rabat Monastery fascinates history and culture enthusiasts with its architectural features and hidden passages. Nestled in a lush forested valley, this medieval structure offers an immersive journey through time. Situated in Çamlık (Rabat) Village, part of the Ardanuç district, the monastery lies
Discover a Roman-Era Route Hidden in Türkiye’s Taurus Mountains
Far from the busy beaches of Antalya lies a hidden treasure for history lovers and adventure seekers alike: an ancient Roman trade route winding through the forested hills of the Taurus Mountains. In the quiet district of Akseki, this recently restored path—once a vital artery of the Silk Road—offers travelers a unique opportunity to walk