Türkiye Returns 6,000-Year-Old Cuneiform Clay Tablets to Iraq
Türkiye has respectfully returned six ancient cuneiform clay tablets to Iraq in a formal ceremony, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Mesopotamia. These artifacts, originating from the Old Ur, Akkadian, and Babylonian civilizations, contain valuable records related to economic, administrative, and religious matters. The handover took place at the Republic Museum in Ankara, attended by
Türkiye’s Culture Minister Ersoy on Göbeklitepe: “We Are Committed to Shedding Light on Human History”
On the 7th anniversary of Göbeklitepe’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, emphasized the country’s ongoing efforts to preserve and study the site—often described as the “zero point of history.” Sharing his message via social media, Minister Ersoy stated: “Göbeklitepe, the oldest and most striking
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
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
Hagia Sophia in Crisis: “A 1,500-Year-Old Legacy on the Brink of Collapse”
Experts Sound the Alarm: “This is no longer a mosque or museum—it’s an emergency site” Built by the order of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia has stood at the heart of Istanbul for nearly 1,500 years. Originally constructed as a cathedral, later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and once
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
New Discoveries from the Early Bronze Age Unearthed at Yumuktepe Mound in Türkiye
Archaeologists in southern Türkiye have uncovered rare Early Bronze Age remains at Yumuktepe, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The findings include a horseshoe-shaped hearth, a grain silo, and traces of ancient agricultural activity. Yumuktepe Mound, located in Mersin near the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, continues to reveal its secrets through
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