History Rises from the Depths: Lost Ottoman Shipwreck in the Mediterranean Marks a Milestone in Underwater Archaeology

A 17th-century Ottoman war and trade ship has been uncovered from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, rewriting maritime history with its dramatic sinking story and an extraordinary trove of artifacts. Struck in battle, driven ashore, and engulfed in flames before sinking, the vessel has resurfaced centuries later as the first fully excavated Ottoman-era shipwreck in Turkish waters.

Conducted under Türkiye’s “Heritage for the Future” project by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Kızlan Ottoman Shipwreck Excavation offers unprecedented insight into the Ottoman Empire’s naval power, trade networks, and daily life during the 17th century. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Harun Özdaş with deputy director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nilhan Kızıldağ from Dokuz Eylül University, setting a new global benchmark in underwater archaeology.

A First-Hand Glimpse of 17th-Century Ottoman Naval Power

Archaeologists identified the vessel as a 30-meter-long, 9-meter-wide wooden ship that capsized after running aground. Evidence shows it was damaged in battle, drifted toward the shore, and sank while burning.

The excavation revealed thousands of artifacts, painting a vivid picture of Ottoman naval operations and Mediterranean trade:

• 30+ Ottoman muskets, pistols, swords, and daggers
• 50+ grenades (humbara) and over 3,000 lead bullets
• Copper cooking pots, ladles, ceramics, leather flasks, and wooden utensils
• 135 Ottoman clay pipe bowls – the largest known pipe collection from the Empire
• Two chess sets and 40+ pieces of Chinese porcelain

This shipwreck provides the first tangible evidence to simultaneously document both Ottoman military presence and maritime trade routes in the Mediterranean.

Clues That Unlock the Ship’s Story

A seal inscribed with “Hüdabende Abdullah Ahmed” and dated Hijri 1078 (1667–1668 CE) precisely dates the wreck. Organic remains, including a large stash of chestnuts, confirm that the vessel sank during winter.

The Tophane-produced clay pipes shed light on 17th-century Ottoman tobacco culture, while the Chinese porcelain points to the Empire’s vast trade connections across Asia and Europe.

A Global Milestone in Underwater Archaeology

Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, hailed the discovery as “one of the most remarkable finds in global underwater archaeology.” Once the excavation is complete, the entire collection will be preserved and exhibited at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

The project, supported by SUDEMER (Research Center for Underwater Cultural Heritage and Maritime History) at Dokuz Eylül University, represents Türkiye’s first fully excavated Ottoman shipwreck and a landmark in the study of maritime history.