The Green Stone of Hattusa: An Ancient Enigma in the Heart of the Hittite Capital
In the archaeological heartland of Hattusa—the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire—stands a unique object that has defied clear interpretation for decades. Known simply as the Green Stone, this smooth, cube-shaped block is positioned inside the city’s Great Temple, a sacred site dating back to the second millennium BCE. Unlike the surrounding limestone structures, the
Ephesus Museum: A Journey from Mycenaean Civilizations to the Ottoman Era in 4,000 Artifacts
Located in the historical town of Selçuk in Türkiye’s İzmir province, the Ephesus Museum offers an extraordinary journey through time with its vast collection of approximately 4,000 artifacts. Stretching from the Mycenaean period (1600–1100 BCE) to the Ottoman era, the museum is a cultural bridge between ancient civilizations and modern-day visitors. Curated under the Turkish
3,000-Year-Old Fish Lake in Ancient Erzen City Set to Open for Tourism in Batman, Türkiye
In Türkiye’s southeastern Batman province, the historically rich Fish Lake located in the ancient city of Erzen is set to welcome visitors as part of a new eco-cultural tourism initiative. Erzen, an ancient settlement in Kozluk district with roots stretching back over three millennia, is gaining renewed attention thanks to recent restoration and development projects.
A Day in Göbekli Tepe: Eyes Awakening in 9600 BCE
As the first light of day brushed against the stones of the Fertile Crescent, it felt like the touch of a newborn’s skin. Shadows of towering stone circles stretched long across the earth. There were no cities, no writing, no pottery. But here, on the hill we now call Göbekli Tepe, something was happening. An
Figures Defying Time and Man: Nemrut’s Camels Are Disappearing
Located in the Tatvan district of Bitlis, the unique rock formations known locally as “Nemrut’s camels” are rapidly facing extinction due to both natural erosion and human-induced damage. These volcanic stones, formed after eruptions from Mount Nemrut, gradually took on shapes resembling animals and human figures, becoming part of local legends and folklore. According to
2025 Excavation Season Begins at Amos Ancient City: A Journey into History Continues
The Amos Ancient City, located in the Marmaris district of Muğla, has officially begun its 2025 excavation season. Supported under the “Heritage for the Future” project by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the archaeological digs enter their fifth year with the goal of uncovering more of the site’s historical richness. The excavations are
Selime Cathedral: A Majestic Rock-Cut Structure in the Heart of Cappadocia
Selime Cathedral, located in the Selime village of Güzelyurt district in Aksaray Province, rises magnificently at the end of the stunning Ihlara Valley in the heart of Cappadocia. This impressive structure is considered one of the largest rock-cut cathedrals not only in Cappadocia but also in the world. With its historical depth, architectural features, and
No Ancient Superhighway: Europe’s Erdstall and the Reality of the Scotland-Türkiye Tunnel
The internet continues to buzz with the fascinating concept of a vast, prehistoric tunnel network stretching from the Scottish Highlands across the European continent to Türkiye. This intriguing narrative, often shared on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, conjures images of a sprawling ancient world hidden beneath our feet. However, a closer examination of
1100-Year-Old Mystery Unveiled: Rare Sealed Amphora Discovered on Turkish Shipwreck
Underwater excavations off the coast of Kaş, Antalya, in southwestern Türkiye, continue to yield fascinating insights into ancient Mediterranean seafaring and trade. A team led by Associate Professor Dr. Hakan Öniz from Akdeniz University has been exploring a shipwreck dating back 1,100 years to the Abbasid rule (9th-10th centuries). The discoveries highlight the crucial role
2,000-Year-Old Garland Sarcophagus Unearthed in “City of Gladiators,” Stratonikeia
The ancient city of Stratonikeia, located in the Yatağan district of Muğla and known as the “City of Gladiators,” has revealed another significant historical treasure. During excavation work in the ancient city, which is on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List and considered one of the largest marble cities in the world, a magnificent garland sarcophagus