Traces of Assyrian Trade Colonies Emerging in Türkiye’s Yassı Höyük: Are Written Tablets on the Horizon?
Excavations at Yassı Höyük, located in the Afşin district of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, are shedding light on layers potentially dating back to the Assyrian Trade Colonies Period. Excavation director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Baştürk expressed growing excitement: “We’re wondering — are we getting close to written sources? Could we uncover tablets or other records?” Launched in
Nano Lime Technology Strengthens Giant Statues on Mount Nemrut
The monumental statues atop Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are undergoing advanced conservation efforts using nano lime technology. Initiated in 2022, the restoration work has yielded promising results, leading to the expansion of the project in 2025. Located at an altitude of 2,206 meters, Mount Nemrut hosts colossal stone sculptures that have endured
Archaeologists Uncover Striking New Findings at the Royal Temple of Haldi in Ayanis Fortress
With special permission from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, excavations continue at Ayanis Fortress, one of the most monumental and well-preserved structures of the Urartian Kingdom. The ongoing work focuses on the Royal Temple complex dedicated to Haldi — the supreme deity of the Urartians — where remarkable new findings are being brought
1,600-Year-Old Luxury Roman Villa Discovered in Tripolis: Guests Were Served Fish Raised in the Courtyard Pool
In the ancient city of Tripolis, located in Denizli’s Buldan district in western Türkiye, ongoing excavations have revealed a striking new find—a large and luxurious Roman-era villa spanning 1,500 square meters. With four rooms, two grand halls, a columned gallery, and a specially designed fish pool, this structure is believed to have hosted the elite
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
Excavator Operator Uncovers Ancient Treasure: Hittite Bull-Headed Jug Piece Now on Display in Sivas Museum
In a remarkable twist of fate, a routine sand excavation near Türkiye’s Kızılırmak River led to the discovery of an extraordinary artifact from the ancient Hittite civilization. A bull-headed piece of a massive ceremonial jug, dating back over 3,000 years, has been unearthed by an excavator operator in the Şarkışla district of Sivas Province—and is
6,000-Year-Old Temple with Blood Channel and Altar Unearthed in Elazığ, Türkiye
A 6,000-year-old temple site has been discovered during archaeological excavations in the village of Tadım in Elazığ, eastern Türkiye. This significant find sheds new light on the region’s ancient past. The excavations, coordinated by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and carried out by the Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism together with the
2025 Excavation Season Begins at Antandros Ancient City: Focus on Early Christian Baptistery
The 2025 excavation season has officially started at the ancient city of Antandros, located in the Edremit district of Balıkesir, Türkiye. Led by Prof. Dr. Gürcan Polat, a faculty member at Ege University’s Department of Classical Archaeology, the excavation team continues to uncover the deep-rooted history of the site. Baptistery Becomes the Main Excavation Area
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
Archaeologists Discover Centuries-Old Prayer Tablet and Ottoman-Era Treasures in Eastern Türkiye
Archaeologists working at the historic Bitlis Castle in eastern Türkiye have unearthed a rare centuries-old prayer tablet along with Ottoman-era coins, ceramic fragments, an ancient water distribution system, and several graves. The discovery is shedding new light on the region’s diverse religious and cultural history. The excavation, authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and