Shipwreck Discovered Near Türkiye’s Besmi Island Reveals Ancient Trade Secrets Beneath the Waves

Off the southern coast of Türkiye, the turquoise waters of Kaş have once again revealed a stunning archaeological treasure—this time in the form of a centuries-old shipwreck near Besmi Island, a historic waypoint on ancient maritime trade routes.

Nestled between Türkiye’s Kaş district and Greece’s Kastellorizo (Meis) Island, Besmi Island has long attracted archaeologists and divers alike due to its strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean. Now, remains of a ship believed to have set sail from the coast of Gaza—before succumbing to a violent storm—have been captured in breathtaking underwater footage.

The wreck lies at a depth of 30 to 60 meters, drawing in divers from around the world eager to see ancient artifacts firsthand. Among the preserved relics are amphorae, anchors, and large pithoi—ceramic storage jars thought to have once held grains, olives, or olive oil.

A Voyage from Gaza Ends in Kaş’s Depths

Underwater documentary filmmaker Tahsin Ceylan, alongside Kaş Diving Center instructor Levent Aydoğmuş and their team, conducted dives to document the submerged site. The expedition was part of Türkiye’s “Heritage for the Future” project, led by Dr. Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University’s Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Ceylan explains that typological analysis of the amphorae suggests the vessel dates to the 9th or 10th century AD, during the Byzantine era. The cargo points to a ship likely transporting olive oil and pulses from Gaza before it met its fate in a storm just off Türkiye’s southern coast.

“Türkiye’s seas may not be the most biodiverse,” says Ceylan, “but when it comes to underwater cultural heritage, they’re among the richest in the world.”

Underwater Museums in Motion

The footage not only highlights the ancient cargo, but also captures the vibrant marine life now living among the wreckage. Colorful fish weave through amphorae once filled with trade goods, creating a surreal intersection of nature and history beneath the sea.

The growing popularity of archaeological diving tourism in Türkiye is further supported by such discoveries. Kaş has become a hotspot for travelers seeking immersive experiences where 1000 years of history meets crystal-clear waters.

Where Legends Sleep Under the Sea

The shipwreck near Besmi Island is more than an archaeological site—it’s a living museum. Every dive is a journey through time, offering modern explorers a rare chance to swim among the sunken secrets of the ancient world.