The Mystery of Two Circular Structures Discovered in Hadrianopolis Ancient City is Being Uncovered

Ongoing excavations in the Hadrianopolis Ancient City, located in Eskipazar district of Karabük, Türkiye, have revealed two circular-plan structures identified through ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Their functions are now being investigated as part of a broader archaeological effort.

Once an important settlement during the Late Chalcolithic, Roman, and Early Byzantine periods, Hadrianopolis is known for its rich mosaic heritage and is often referred to as the “Zeugma of the Black Sea.” The excavation and restoration works are being carried out under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Ersin Çelikbaş from Karabük University’s Department of Archaeology.

New Exhibition Area Planned in Light of Discoveries

Launched about a month ago under the auspices of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and its “Heritage for the Future Project,” the excavations aim to both uncover and analyze the newly identified circular structures, which are situated between the site’s inner castle and the designated visitor route.

“We detected two circular-plan structures using GPR. Our goal is to expose and understand their purpose and add a new exhibition area to the archaeological site,” said Assoc. Prof. Çelikbaş.

A 50-Member International Team in the Field

The 2025 excavation season includes a diverse team of 50 experts, both local and international. Two teams from Germany are also participating—one specializing in excavations and the other in GPR analysis. These collaborative efforts are expected to continue through the end of the year.

A City Rich in History and Art

Hadrianopolis has previously yielded impressive finds, including two bath complexes, two churches, a defensive structure, rock tombs, an inner fortress, underground settlements, fountains, vaulted buildings, cult niches, city walls, villas, monumental buildings, and sacred areas. The city’s mosaic floors, which feature vivid depictions of animals, have drawn particular attention from the archaeological community.

The current excavations are expected to shed new light on the city’s past and contribute further to the preservation and presentation of Türkiye’s ancient cultural heritage.