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
Manisa Museum Reopens After 25 Years: A Journey Through 12,000 Years of History
Located in the heart of western Türkiye, the Manisa Museum has reopened its doors to visitors after a 25-year closure. Now housed in a new, modern facility in the Yunusemre district, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Anatolia’s cultural and historical richness — spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the Ottoman Empire. A New
In Memory of Dr. Sachihiro Omura: A Life Devoted to Anatolia
Dr. Sachihiro Omura, a renowned Japanese archaeologist and one of the key figures in fostering academic and cultural ties between Japan and Türkiye, passed away in Kırşehir. With over five decades of dedication to Anatolian archaeology, Omura left behind an extraordinary legacy. A Scholar’s Journey from Japan to Türkiye Born in Japan in either 1948