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
Four-Generation Monument from the Late Hittite Period with Luwian Hieroglyphs: The İspeçkır Stele
Discovered in 1907 in the Darende district of Malatya, Türkiye, the İspeçkır Stele is an extraordinary artifact from the Late Hittite Period (circa 1200–700 BCE). Today, it is on display at the Sivas Archaeology Museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the royal lineage and belief systems of the ancient Hittite world. The monument features
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
The World’s Oldest Known House Model, Dating Back 12,000 Years, Is on Display in Türkiye
A 12,000-year-old architectural model—believed to be the oldest house model ever discovered—has been unearthed at Çayönü Hill in Diyarbakır, Türkiye, and is now on public display at the Diyarbakır Museum. The Çayönü archaeological site, located in the Ergani district of southeastern Türkiye, continues to offer groundbreaking insights into the origins of settled life. Among the
Queen’s Tombs of the Kommagene Kingdom to Be Unveiled at Karakuş Tumulus in Adıyaman
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced plans to excavate the queen’s tombs at the Karakuş Tumulus, located in Adıyaman, Türkiye. These tombs are believed to belong to Isas, the wife of King Antiochos I, their daughter Antiokhis, and granddaughter Aka of the ancient Kommagene Kingdom. Following detailed georadar and geophysical surveys that identified
Around 9,000 Years Ago: What Role Did Women Play in Çatalhöyük Society? New Discoveries Reveal Insights
Located in central Anatolia, the ancient settlement of Çatalhöyük continues to provide valuable insights into early human civilization. Recent interdisciplinary research has revealed that women held a significant role in shaping social structures nearly 9 millennia ago. An international team of scientists from Turkey, Denmark, Sweden, and the US examined the genetic makeup of 131
Excavations Start in the Ancient City of Lystra, Mentioned in the Bible
Archaeological excavations have resumed in 2025 at the ancient city of Lystra, located in Konya’s Meram district — a site of great historical and religious significance, particularly within Christian tradition. Known as one of the rare cities mentioned in the Bible, Lystra is attracting growing international interest. Nestled between the Botsa and Hatunsaray regions of
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Hekate Temple: A Glimpse into Lagina’s Ancient Sacred Site
Situated near the town of Yatağan in Muğla Province, southwestern Türkiye, the Lagina Sanctuary of Hekate is one of the most significant ancient religious centers dedicated to Hekate, the goddess of magic, crossroads, and the underworld. At its core stands the remarkable Hekate Temple, a masterpiece of Hellenistic architecture and symbolic storytelling that sheds light
1,000-Year-Old Sundial Found in Ani Ancient City Goes on Public Display in Türkiye
A remarkable 1,000-year-old sundial, recently unearthed in the ancient city of Ani—located near Türkiye’s eastern border with Armenia—has been unveiled to the public for the first time. This rare medieval timekeeping instrument was discovered during archaeological excavations at a historic bath complex within the site and is now being exhibited at the Kars Museum. Ani,
The Karatepe Inscriptions in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register May Help Decipher Ancient Civilizations
The Karatepe Inscriptions, located in the Kadirli district of Osmaniye, Türkiye, and listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, continue to shed light on ancient civilizations through ongoing archaeological research. Associate Professor Dr. Faris Demir of Osmaniye Korkut Ata University emphasizes the global importance of these bilingual inscriptions. Found in the open-air museum