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
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
2,200-Year-Old Statue Caught in Fishermen’s Net Now on Display at Marmaris Museum
A 2,200-year-old bronze statue of a woman, accidentally discovered by fishermen off the coast of Muğla’s Marmaris district in Türkiye, is now on display for the first time at the Marmaris Museum. The statue, which was found in 2020 in the Hisarönü Gulf by the crew of the fishing vessel Azimler, was caught in their
8,500 Years of Sacred Heritage: Unearthing the Mysterious Sanctuaries of Herakleia
Ancient deities, mythological tales, and sacred architecture come to light in the Latmos Mountains as archaeological excavations unveil Herakleia’s hidden past. As part of the Wednesday Talks series organized by the Association for Nature Lovers and Ecosystem Protection (EKODOSD), Prof. Dr. Zeliha Gider Büyüközer, head of the Latmos–Herakleia Excavations and faculty member at Selçuk University’s
3,000-Year-Old Phrygian Rock Tomb Converted Into a Café
In the İhsaniye district of Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye, a 3,000-year-old rock tomb belonging to the ancient Phrygian civilization has been controversially converted into a café. The site, part of the Phrygian Valley and listed as a UNESCO tentative cultural heritage, has sparked significant backlash from experts and the public alike. The Significance of the Phrygian Valley
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
Tralleis Ancient City to Open to Visitors: A 23-Year Dream Comes True
One of Turkey’s hidden archaeological gems, Tralleis Ancient City in Aydın, is set to welcome visitors starting August 2025. This milestone marks the fulfillment of a 23-year dream for excavation director Prof. Dr. Murat Çekilmez, who has dedicated his entire academic career to this historic site. From Student Volunteer to Excavation Director Prof. Çekilmez first
Ephesus Ancient City Now Open at Night: A Magical Journey Through Time Under the Stars
Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is now offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore its ancient streets under the night sky. As part of a new initiative by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the historical site is illuminated with special lighting, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere after sunset. Walk
2,400-Year-Old Shops to Be Unearthed in Hyllarima, One of Anatolia’s Best-Preserved Ancient Cities
Ongoing archaeological excavations in Hyllarima Ancient City, located in the Kavaklıdere district of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, continue to shed light on the region’s rich past. Known as one of the rare ancient settlements in Anatolia that has remained remarkably well-preserved, Hyllarima is now revealing new secrets—2,400-year-old shop structures located in the heart of the ancient
Excavations Begin at Kedrai Ancient City: Sedir Island’s Hidden History Resurfaces
The 2025 archaeological excavation season at Kedrai Ancient City, located on Sedir Island in Muğla’s Marmaris district, will officially begin on June 23. This year’s work will focus on deepening research around the grand basilica and ancient theater. Sedir Island’s historical treasure Kedrai prepares for a new excavation season Situated off the coast of Muğla’s