119 Years of Excavations at Hattusa: New Discoveries in the Mysterious Area Between the Great Temple and Palace
In Boğazkale, Çorum Province, the ancient capital of the Hittites, Hattusa, has entered its 119th season of excavation. Led by Professor Dr. Andreas Schachner, the archaeological team is conducting in-depth research between the Great Temple and the palace, aiming to uncover new insights into the Hittite civilization’s different periods and their cultural heritage. A Century-Long
Saint Georgios, Cappadocia’s Forgotten Church, to Reopen After 700 Years
Saint Georgios, a long-forgotten 13th-century Byzantine church tucked away in Türkiye’s Cappadocia region, is undergoing meticulous restoration and will reopen to visitors after 700 years. Hidden among the sun-scorched rock formations of Central Türkiye, in a quiet village far from the well-trodden tourist trails, a forgotten Byzantine church is preparing for a second life. Saint
9-Million-Year-Old Fossils of Elephants, Giraffes, and Rhinos Unearthed Together in Türkiye
A stunning fossil discovery in central Türkiye is offering a rare glimpse into the Miocene period’s megafauna. Excavations at the Çorakyerler Vertebrate Fossil Locality in Çankırı have revealed over 20 fossilized remains—including elephants, rhinos, and giraffes—all found within just two square meters of sediment. Led by a 15-member team, the 2025 excavation season has unearthed
Archaeologists Discover Rare Hittite Cuneiform ‘Bird Omen Text’ at Samuha, an Important Cult Centre
A remarkable discovery has emerged from the ancient Hittite settlement of Samuha—modern-day Kayalıpınar, located in Türkiye’s Sivas province. Archaeologists have unearthed a rare cuneiform tablet containing what appears to be a bird omen text, shedding new light on the spiritual practices of the Hittites. The excavations are being led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Maner
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
Archaeologists Trace Hittite Culinary Culture at Uşaklı Höyük Excavations
In the village of Büyük Taşlık, located in the Sorgun district of Yozgat, central Türkiye, archaeologists at the Uşaklı Höyük excavation site are uncovering vital clues about the ancient culinary traditions of the Hittites. From charred seeds to cooking utensils, these findings are shedding light on how this Bronze Age civilization cooked and ate—offering insights
1,500-Year-Old Baptistery Unearthed in Ancient City of Tyana
Ongoing excavations in the ancient city of Tyana, located in Kemerhisar town of Bor district in Niğde, Türkiye, continue to reveal stunning insights into the region’s rich historical heritage. The latest discovery is a remarkably well-preserved baptistery believed to be over 1,500 years old. Part of Türkiye’s “Heritage for the Future” Initiative Archaeological work at
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
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
Excavations Start in the Ancient City of Lystra, Mentioned in the Bible
Archaeological excavations have resumed in 2025 at the ancient city of Lystra, located in Konya’s Meram district — a site of great historical and religious significance, particularly within Christian tradition. Known as one of the rare cities mentioned in the Bible, Lystra is attracting growing international interest. Nestled between the Botsa and Hatunsaray regions of