Uncovering the Thracian Legacy: Excavations Begin at Heraion-Teikhos in Tekirdağ

Excavations have resumed at the ancient city of Heraion-Teikhos (“City of Hera”), located in Türkiye’s northwestern province of Tekirdağ, with a new focus on the seaside section of the site. Archaeologists are aiming to uncover traces of the Thracian civilization, one of the most enigmatic cultures of the ancient Balkans and Anatolia.

The excavation is being led by Prof. Dr. Neşe Atik, Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at Istanbul Rumeli University, and Director of the Office of Archaeological Research. According to Prof. Dr. Atik, the team’s goal is to deepen our understanding of Thracian urban life and elite residential architecture.

First-Ever Excavations on the Seaside

For years, the site was divided by a highway, and archaeological efforts were limited to the landward side. However, following a 2023 visit by Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and with support from the Heritage for the Future Project, the coastal section has now been placed under 24/7 protection. For the first time, archaeologists can safely begin exploring the seaside layers, which had previously been inaccessible.

“The waves have cut through cultural layers,” said Prof. Dr. Atik. “This area also held residential structures, and now we can finally excavate it without concern for site security.”

A Glimpse into Elite Thracian Life?

Earlier seasons uncovered two sacred precincts on the city’s acropolis—its elevated central hill. Archaeologists now believe that elite residences, administrative buildings, or perhaps even a palatial complex could have been located just beneath the acropolis.

“We expect to find upper-class housing, not just ordinary dwellings,” Prof. Dr. Atik noted. “This makes the current phase of excavation especially exciting. We’re investigating what may have been the residential quarter of the city’s ruling class.”

Cultural Heritage and Archaeotourism Potential

As one of the most significant Thracian sites in Anatolia, Heraion-Teikhos is a key part of Türkiye’s archaeological heritage. The findings are expected to contribute not only to academic research but also to the region’s cultural tourism potential.

Cover Image Credit: A view of the ancient city of Heraion‑Teikhos on the Tekirdağ coast, where archaeologists led by Prof. Dr. Neşe Atik have initiated excavations into elite Thracian residential and ritual areas. Mesut Karaduman/AA