A First in Türkiye: Hands-On Bioarchaeology Workshop at Arslantepe Mound Begins
Arslantepe Mound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Battalgazi district of Malatya, is hosting Turkey’s first-ever hands-on bioarchaeology workshop. Running from July 11 to July 25, 2025, this scientific training program marks a milestone in archaeological education in the country. Led by Prof. Dr. Francesca Balossi Restelli from Sapienza University of Rome and
2,700-Year-Old Urartian Columns Unearthed at Kef Castle: A Discovery Shedding Light on Anatolian History
Archaeological excavations at Kef Castle, located in the Adilcevaz district of Bitlis province, have revealed a stunning discovery: 49 massive “elephant foot” columns, dating back nearly 2,700 years to the Urartian period. Perched on the slopes of Mount Süphan and overlooking the breathtaking Van Lake, Kef Castle was built by King Rusa II of the
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
2,000-Year-Old Shops and Stoa Unearthed in Patara, the Capital of the Ancient Lycian League
Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable new section of the ancient city of Patara, located in Türkiye’s Antalya province, revealing a series of 2,000-year-old shops and a stoa (colonnaded walkway) near the city’s monumental gate. Once the capital of the Lycian League, one of the earliest known democratic federations in history, Patara continues to captivate with
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
7.7-Million-Year-Old Fossil Bed Discovered by Goat Herder in Central Türkiye
A chance discovery by a goat herder in central Türkiye has led scientists to uncover a fossil-rich site dating back 7.7 million years, offering rare insights into the region’s prehistoric ecosystem. Located near Yamula Dam in the Kocasinan district of Kayseri, the site has become one of the most significant fossil zones in Anatolia. Excavations
The Stratonikeia Library, Raised by the Hands of a Master from Ephesus, Emerges from the Earth
In the Yatağan district of Muğla, Turkey, a long-silent sanctuary of knowledge nestled among timeworn marble stones is being brought back to life through the meticulous work of archaeologists. Located in the ancient city of Stratonikeia — often referred to as the “City of Gladiators” — a Roman-era library is reemerging, captivating history enthusiasts not
Olympos Ancient City Opens Roman-Era Rock-Cut Tombs to Visitors
One of Turkey’s most captivating archaeological treasures, the Olympos Ancient City in Antalya’s Kumluca district, is unveiling a new chapter in its 2,000-year-old story. This year, previously inaccessible Roman-era rock-cut tombs have been cleared and integrated into the site’s official visitor route—offering history enthusiasts and cultural travelers a rare glimpse into the funerary traditions of
Tralleis Ancient City to Open for Visitors in August
The ancient city of Tralleis, located in the Efeler district of Aydın, Türkiye, is expected to open to visitors in August 2025 following long-term archaeological and restoration work. The project is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future” initiative, which focuses on reviving historically significant sites across the country. Excavation
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,