“The Ephesus of Central Anatolia”: Ancient Roman Bath in Türkiye Unearthed Again After Years of Silence
A long-forgotten Roman-era bath complex has resurfaced in public attention, thanks to a recent cultural tour organized by the Kırşehir City Council. Dubbed the “Ephesus of Central Anatolia,” the ancient site near the village of Büyükteflek in Kırşehir’s Çiçekdağı district continues to reveal its secrets beneath the soil. The archaeological site, located in the Kale
Royal Tomb Discovered in Ancient Gordion: Monumental Find Sheds New Light on King Midas’ Legacy
ANKARA, Türkiye – A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has emerged from the heart of Anatolia. In the ancient city of Gordion, a newly unearthed wooden burial chamber—believed to belong to the Phrygian royal family—has captivated historians and archaeologists worldwide. Announced by Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the find is being hailed as
The Hittites’ Gateway to the West: Archaeological Excavations Continue at Şarhöyük, Eskişehir
Just a few kilometers from the heart of Eskişehir, central Türkiye, lies Şarhöyük, an archaeological treasure trove that offers a window into thousands of years of Anatolian history. Identified with the ancient city of Dorylaion, this site is now at the center of a major excavation project revealing the layers of civilizations that once flourished
A 4,000-Year-Old Will from Kayseri’s Kültepe: “No Furniture Shall Leave the House.”
“No furniture shall leave the house.”This phrase, inscribed in cuneiform on a clay tablet found at Kültepe (ancient Kaniš), might not sound unfamiliar to the modern legal ear. But its true weight becomes clear when one learns that it dates back to around 1900 BCE—making it one of the earliest known examples of a written
Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument: 3,275 Years of Heritage Written in Water
Located in Konya’s Beyşehir district, Eflatunpınar reflects the sacred meaning of water in Hittite civilization The Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument, located in the Beyşehir district of Konya, was built approximately 3,275 years ago by the Hittites for religious ceremonies and to exalt the water cult. Positioned beside a clean natural spring, the monument stands as
Gevale Castle on Takkeli Mountain to Open a 5,000-Year-Old Historical Window in Konya
Located at the summit of Takkeli Mountain in Konya’s central Selçuklu district, Gevale Castle, a site that bears the traces of multiple civilizations including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Karamanid, and Ottoman empires, is undergoing extensive restoration work. Once completed, the site will offer visitors the chance to explore 5,000 years of Anatolian history while
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
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
Astonishing Kültepe Tablets: Some Everyday Turkish Words Date Back 4,500 Years
Remarkable findings are emerging from the ongoing excavations at Kültepe-Kanesh-Karum, one of Türkiye’s longest-running archaeological sites. Led by Prof. Dr. Fikri Kulakoğlu, the excavations of Assyrian cuneiform tablets dating back approximately 4,500 years have revealed traces of certain Turkish words commonly used today. Located on the Kayseri-Sivas highway, Kültepe has been shedding light on Anatolian
Gümüşler Monastery: The Petra of Anatolia and the Mystery of the “Smiling Virgin Mary”
The Gümüşler Monastery, one of Cappadocia’s best-preserved monasteries, often referred to as the “Petra of Anatolia,” draws attention with its historical structure and frescoes. Located in the Gümüşler town of Niğde in the Cappadocia region, the Gümüşler Monastery is famous for its “Smiling Virgin Mary” fresco. Believed to have been built between the 8th and