‘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)
Excavations Begin at Termessos, the City Alexander the Great Refused to Attack: Ancient Monumental Tomb Will Be Unearthed
Nestled within the Güllük Dağı National Park in Antalya, Türkiye, the ancient city of Termessos is now witnessing a significant historical moment. For the first time, official archaeological excavations have begun in this remarkably well-preserved site. The project, jointly conducted by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Antalya Bilim University, aims to unearth
Historic Ani Cathedral Under Restoration: Reopening as a Mosque Under Consideration
One of Kars’ most significant cultural heritage sites, the Ani Cathedral (Surp Asdvadzadzin), is undergoing extensive restoration. Upon completion, authorities are considering opening the historic structure to visitors as a mosque. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ani Archaeological Zone, the cathedral was built in the late 10th century during the rule of
Ancient Nomadic Burial Mounds Unearthed in Mongolia Reveal Turkish-Mongol Cultural Legacy
Joint archaeological excavations led by Turkish and Mongolian scholars are shedding new light on the burial traditions of nomadic civilizations that once roamed the vast Eurasian steppes. As part of the “Culture of Horsemen” project, carried out in collaboration between Istanbul University and Mongolian State University, archaeological excavations have resumed in the Tuv Province of
1,600-Year-Old Set of Weights Shaped as Ancient Greek Letters Discovered in Uzuncaburç Ancient City
Archaeologists uncover a complete weighing system from Late Antiquity during excavations in southern Türkiye A team of archaeologists has uncovered a rare 1,600-year-old weighing set — including five iron weights shaped as Ancient Greek letters — during excavations at Uzuncaburç, an ancient city located in the Silifke district of Mersin, southern Türkiye. The discovery sheds
Excavations Resume at Tralleis Ancient City in Aydın: Italian Archaeologists Join 2025 Season
The ancient city of Tralleis, located in the Efeler district of Aydın and considered one of the region’s earliest settlements, has entered its 29th year of archaeological excavations. The 2025 excavation season is currently underway, focusing mainly on the bath and gymnasium complex, with a new team of archaeologists arriving from Italy to join the
Forgotten Hittite Legacy in İzmir: Karabel Rock Monument Cries for Help
Hidden among the rugged hills of western Türkiye, the Karabel Rock Monument, a rare and invaluable Hittite relic, is slowly deteriorating due to neglect, vandalism, and lack of protection. Situated along the Kemalpaşa–Torbalı road in İzmir, this ancient site stands as one of the last surviving examples of Hittite rock art in Anatolia. A 3,000-Year-Old
Troy’s Hidden Battlefield: Could the Fabled War Be More Than Just Myth?
Excavations in northwestern Türkiye may finally bridge the gap between legend and reality, as archaeologists uncover new clues pointing to a real conflict behind the ancient tale of the Trojan War. For centuries, the story of the Trojan War has lived on in epic poetry, dramatic films, and school textbooks—a sweeping saga of love, betrayal,
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
Nearly Intact 1,500-Year-Old Mosaic Unearthed in Ancient City of Dara, Türkiye
Archaeologists working in the ancient city of Dara, located in Türkiye’s southeastern province of Mardin, have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved 1,500-year-old mosaic floor. The discovery, made in a former Roman residential area, is being hailed as one of the most significant finds in recent years. The excavation is part of the Turkish Ministry of Culture