Wednesday, November 5 2025

Tag: Van archaeology

Six Aramaic Inscriptions Unearthed at Zernaki Tepe Reveal Forgotten Parthian Frontier in Eastern Türkiye

Six Aramaic Inscriptions Unearthed at Zernaki Tepe Reveal Forgotten Parthian Frontier in Eastern Türkiye

Archaeologists have uncovered six new Aramaic inscriptions at Zernaki Tepe, a 3,000-year-old ancient city in Van Province, eastern Türkiye. The discoveries — including three deliberately erased texts — illuminate a turbulent Parthian-era presence in Anatolia and the shifting power struggles between empires that once vied for control of the region. Located in the Yukarı Işıklı

Garibin Tepe

Ongoing Excavations at Garibin Tepe Near Van Shed Light on Urartian Architecture and Conservation Efforts

Archaeological works continue at Garibin Tepe in Türkiye’s Van province, one of the most intriguing Urartian sites of recent years. Excavations this season have focused on documenting massive walls, lion statues, and wall paintings as researchers seek to understand the architectural layout and royal character of the ancient complex. Located about 30 kilometers from central

Mongol Palace of Hulagu Khan Unearthed in Van: A Roof Tile Sparked the Discovery

Mongol Palace of Hulagu Khan Unearthed in Van: A Roof Tile Sparked the Discovery

A simple roof tile found in a field two decades ago has led to one of the most remarkable international archaeological discoveries in recent years. Excavations in Hanköy, a rural village in Türkiye’s Van province, have revealed the remains of a palace and settlement linked to Hulagu Khan, the founder of the Ilkhanate and grandson

76 Cuneiform-Inscribed Pithoi Unearthed in Kevenli Fortress

76 Cuneiform-Inscribed Pithoi Unearthed in Kevenli Fortress: Uncovering Urartu’s Largest Ancient Storage Center

Archaeologists in Türkiye’s eastern Van province have unearthed 76 massive pithoi (storage jars) inscribed with cuneiform markings at Kevenli Fortress, a Urartian stronghold on the slopes of Mount Erek. The exceptional find offers new insight into Urartu’s agricultural economy and stands as the largest known ancient storage facility in the Van region. Rare Inscriptions Reveal