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Written by Leman Altuntaş
Ancient deities, mythological tales, and sacred architecture come to light in the Latmos Mountains as archaeological excavations unveil Herakleia’s hidden past. As part of the Wednesday Talks series organized by the Association for Nature Lovers and Ecosystem Protection (EKODOSD), Prof. Dr. Zeliha Gider Büyüközer, head of the Latmos–Herakleia Excavations and faculty member at Selçuk University’s
Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a remarkable example of Anatolian Seljuk architecture, is one of the rare structures in the region that has preserved its original form. This historical mosque attracts the attention of both local and international tourists. Constructed in the 14th century, the mosque showcases intricate wooden craftsmanship, exquisite calligraphy, and unique architectural features that
The 1,500-year-old historical cistern located next to the Ayasofya-i Kebir Mosque has been repurposed as a spa center by a five-star hotel. The establishment, named Navitas Spa Cistern, sparked significant controversy by adding a pool inside the historical cistern and creating private massage rooms on the lower floors. The Ayasofya Museum was reopened for worship
In 2023, excavations at Tepecik Mound in the Çine district of Aydın, Türkiye, revealed a significant layer of dense ash. Due to the color and composition of the ash, the research team hypothesized that it might be linked to a volcanic eruption. To confirm their findings, they sent samples to the Atomic Institute of Vienna
In a significant cultural development, the United States will return the Marcus Aurelius statue to Türkiye after 65 years. This bronze statue, which comes from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur, was taken abroad during the 1960s through illegal excavations. Currently, it resides in the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio. The Ministry of
Scientists have conducted a significant genetic study showing that early domesticated sheep originated in Central Anatolia. This research highlights humanity’s transition to a settled lifestyle. An international team, led by geneticists from Trinity College and zooarchaeologists from LMU Munich and the Bavarian State Collections of Natural History (SNSB), analyzed 118 genomes from archaeological bones. These
The 2000-year-old Roman bath columns of the ancient city of Stratonikeia, known as the “City of Gladiators”, have been successfully restored. Stratonikeia, located in the Yatağan district of Muğla, is one of the largest marble cities in the world. Archaeological excavations in the city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, continue under
Excavation efforts at the ancient city of Hadrianopolis have uncovered a bronze artifact believed to date back to the 5th century AD. This item, identified as a beverage filter, was found in the Eskipazar district of Karabük, Turkey. Historical Importance of Hadrianopolis Founded during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian II, Hadrianopolis emerged as a
In recent days, a swarm of earthquakes in the Aegean Sea has alarmed the residents of Santorini, leading to a rapid evacuation of the island, which has now transformed into a deserted landscape. Some seismologists suggest that this earthquake activity may be a precursor to a volcanic eruption. The recent seismic events brought to mind
In the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Emperor Justinian I and his wife Theodora built the Small Hagia Sophia Poterne for security purposes on the sea side of the walls. This historical structure has an estimated history of approximately 1500 years. However, neglect and lack of maintenance have caused it to
The adult, child, and cat mummies found during the 1989 excavations at Aşıklı Höyük are preserved using climate control methods. Aşıklı Höyük is one of the oldest known settlements in the world, dating back about 12,000 years. This Neolithic site is located near Kızılkaya village in the Gülağaç district of Aksaray. The Aksaray Museum displays
