3,500-Year-Old ‘Kitchen Set’ Discovered at Karahöyük in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia

Archaeological excavations in Karahöyük, located in Konya’s Meram district, have revealed striking finds that shed light on everyday life in central Anatolia around 3,500 years ago. A complete kitchen set consisting of a jug, a plate, and a handled cup, along with silver plates wrapped in cloth, children’s toys, figurines, and cremation burials, has been brought to light.

The excavation is led by Assoc. Prof. Gonca Dardeniz Arıkan from Istanbul University. According to her, Karahöyük holds a unique place in Anatolian and Near Eastern archaeology:

“This site was practically the first chamber of commerce in Konya. Just like merchants today have tax numbers and signatures, 3,500 years ago they used seals, imprints, and silver pieces for the same purpose.”

Daily life preserved in clay and metal

Among the finds uncovered in a public building were a trefoil-rim jug, a restored handled cup, and a clay plate. Archaeologists note that the discovery of a complete set offers rare insights into dining practices in Bronze Age Anatolia.

Toys, figurines, and ritual life

Excavations also revealed a clay bull figurine, miniature wheeled toys, and a lead goddess amulet. Arıkan points out that these finds highlight both social and religious aspects of the settlement:

“Children have always been children – they needed something to play with 3,500 years ago as well.”

Burials and trade connections

To date, archaeologists have identified 60 infant burials at the site. Alongside them, merchant silver plates and a clay counting token with marked signs were unearthed, underlining Karahöyük’s role as a commercial hub as well as a ritual and residential center.

Layers reaching back to the Old Hittite period

Although the finds are dated to around 2000 BCE, Karahöyük preserves continuous archaeological layers extending into the Old Hittite period. Scholars believe this continuity will provide new perspectives on trade and cultural networks in Bronze Age Anatolia.

The newly uncovered artifacts are currently undergoing restoration and are expected to be displayed in museums in Konya.

Cover Image Credit: A kitchen set consisting of a jug, a plate, and a handled cup, dating back approximately 3,500 years, unearthed in Karahöyük, Meram district of Konya. (Photo: Abdullah Doğan / Anadolu Agency)