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
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
19,000-Year-Old Stone Figurines Unearthed in Türkiye’s Kızılin Cave Rewrite Prehistoric Art History
A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in southern Türkiye is reshaping our understanding of symbolic behavior and artistic expression in prehistoric Anatolia. Excavations at Kızılin Cave, located near Yağca in Antalya’s Döşemealtı district, have uncovered stone human figurines dating back nearly 19,000 years — the oldest known of their kind in the region. As reported by Koray
A mosaic inscribed with “Only those on the right path may enter” has been unearthed at the entrance of a church in the ancient city of Olympos
A new mosaic inscription has been uncovered at the entrance of a Byzantine-era church in the ancient city of Olympos, located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, Türkiye. The inscription reads: “Only those on the right path may enter,” offering a striking glimpse into the spiritual symbolism of the site. Excavations at the ancient city