March 2025 saw the completion of the restoration work of the ancient theatre of Laodicea, founded by Seleucid King Antiochus II in honour of his wife Laodice in the 3rd century BCE. Also, the recently restored Side Museum was finally reopened, boasting a rich collection of 3,309 archaeological artifacts. Meanwhile, the archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Assos revealed a remarkable 2,200-year-old mosaic alongside an impressive 1,800-year-old monumental tomb. Finally, a surprising discovery occurred in the Ergani district of Diyarbakir, when an ancient mosaic layer was found during a grave excavation.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for March 2025. Have we missed anything? Please let us know by using Contact tab!
March 1, 2025
The Light of the Patara Lighthouse will Shine Again After Centuries
The ancient lighthouse in Patara, built by Roman Emperor Nero and destroyed by natural disasters, has reached the final stages of reconstruction work, which involves rebuilding it from its ruins using original stones, and will once again illuminate the way for sailors. Source: Arkeonews
Restoration of Laodicea’s Ancient Theater Completed
The restoration work of the ancient theater of Laodicea, founded by Seleucid King Antiochus II in honour of his wife Laodice in the 3rd century BCE, has been completed. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
A royal scandal lost in the dusty pages of history comes to light after 3300 years. The divorce decree sent by Hittite King Tudhaliya IV to Ugarit King Ammistamru II is not just a declaration of separation, but also reveals the political intrigues, personal dramas, and legal regulations of the period. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 2, 2025
A 2500-Year-Old Persian Fire Altar Reflecting the Fire Cult in Central Anatolia
Discovered in the Bünyan district of Kayseri, Central Anatolia, in the 1930s, the Persian Fire Cult Altar, dating back to 500 BC, is a unique artifact used in Persian fire-related religious rituals. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 3, 2025
Türkiye’s ancient Aspendos reveals Hermes statue from Roman Era
A marble statue of Hermes, the messenger of Zeus in Greek mythology, was discovered during archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Aspendos, part of the “Legacy for the Future” project initiated by the Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Source: Türkiye Today
Unique Rock Tomb Discovered in Southeastern Türkiye’s Şanlıurfa
Hasan Şıldak, the governor of the city of Şanlıurfa in south-eastern Türkiye, announced on his social media account that a rock tomb was found in the courtyard of a house. Source: Arkeonews
Türkiye’s restored Side Museum showcases thousands of artifacts spanning millennia
The recently restored Side Museum in Antalya’s Manavgat district is offering visitors a captivating journey through the history of civilizations, boasting a rich collection of 3,309 archaeological artifacts and 9,484 coins. Source: Türkiye Today
Sveti Stefan: Historic icon of Istanbul’s Golden Horn
Nestled along the shimmering waves of Golden Horn, the Sveti Stefan Iron Church (Bulgarian church of St. Stephen) stands as one of the most breathtaking architectural wonders in the world. It is located in the picturesque Balat district. Source: Türkiye Today
Silent Witnesses of Commagene: Sofraz Tumuli
Adıyaman, a city in southeastern Türkiye, is rich in historical and cultural treasures. Among its most remarkable examples are the Sofraz Tumuli. These tumuli, dating back approximately 1800 years, are significant archaeological structures that illuminate the region’s history. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 4, 2025
Santorini earthquakes mirror events described in Ottoman’s first geology book
The recent Santorini earthquakes show striking similarities to geological events described in “Ilm-i Tabakatu’l Arz”, the Ottoman Empire’s first geology book, according to Mostafavi Maresht, a researcher from the department of geological engineering at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa. Source: Türkiye Today
March 5, 2025
Water will Flow Through The City Gate of Ancient Patara Again After Centuries
The magnificent City Gate of the Ancient City of Patara, located in the Kaş district of Antalya and known as the capital of the Lycian League, is set to regain its water feature after centuries, thanks to extensive restoration efforts this year. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
Urfa Man: The First Life-Size Sculpture in Human History
‘Urfa Man’ (also known as Balıklıgöl Statue) was unearthed in 1993 during a road work in Yeni Mahalle in Şanlıurfa city centre. Dating back approximately 11,500 years to the Neolithic period, this impressive artifact reveals the artistic skills and belief systems of people from that era. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 6, 2025
The Temple Dedicated to Athena, the Main Goddess of Ancient Side, Attracts Attention
The Ancient City of Side in the Manavgat district of Antalya, a witness to thousands of years of history, has been reborn with the restoration of the Temple of Athena. Side, one of the most important port cities of the Pamphylia region, was founded in the 7th century BC and attracts visitors with its temple dedicated to its chief goddess, Athena. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 7, 2025
A 2,100-Year-Old Marble Statue of Mother Goddess Cybele Discovered in Ordu’s Ancient Kurul Castle
A breathtaking statue of the Mother Goddess Cybele, dating back 2100 years, was found at the historic Kurul Castle in Ordu, Türkiye. The statue of the mother goddess is remarkable as the first marble statue found as insitu. Source: Arkeonews
Lost history of ancient Greek artists traced in excavations near Izmir, Türkiye
Archaeologists have uncovered remarkable details about Teos, an ancient Greek city on the western coast of modern-day Türkiye. The ongoing excavations, led by Mantha Zarmakoupi from the University of Pennsylvania, have focused on the bouleuterion, a city council building that played a crucial role in Teos’ political and social life. Source: Türkiye Today
March 8, 2025
4,000 Years of Wisdom: Women’s Rights and Inheritance in the Kültepe Tablets
The Kültepe Tablets, discovered in the ancient site of Kültepe (ancient Kanesh) in central Anatolia, are approximately 4,000 years old and provide invaluable insights into the social, economic, and legal aspects of life during the early Bronze Age. One of the most striking features of these tablets is the prominent role that women played in various facets of civilized life, particularly in matters related to rights and inheritance. Source: Arkeonews
Hittite exhibition brings Türkiye’s ancient heritage to South Korea
Türkiye’s ancient heritage has made its way to South Korea with the opening of the ‘Hittites’ exhibition at the Seoul Baekje Museum. The exhibition, featuring 212 artifacts from Türkiye, offers visitors a glimpse into the Hittite civilization, which emerged on the historical stage in the 17th century B.C. Source: Türkiye Today
March 10, 2025
Assos Excavations Reveal 2,200-Year-Old Mosaic and Monumental Tomb
Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Assos, situated in Behramkale village in Türkiye’s Çanakkale province in the northwestern part of the country, have revealed a remarkable 2,200-year-old mosaic alongside an impressive 1,800-year-old monumental tomb. Source: Arkeonews
Safeguarding history where it began: Karahantepe gets protective roof
Construction of a protective roof has begun at the Karahantepe Archaeological Site in Sanliurfa, one of the significant Neolithic settlements in Türkiye, to safeguard the artifacts unearthed during excavations. Source: Türkiye Today
Older than Hagia Sophia: Imrahor Ilyas Bey Mosque under restoration
The Imrahor Ilyas Bey Mosque also known as the Monastery of Studios, is undergoing significant restoration to reclaim its historical prominence. Notably, this structure predates the Hagia Sophia by aproximately 70 years, underscoring its status as Istanbul’s oldest religious building. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient mosaic layer discovered during grave excavation in Türkiye’s Diyarbakir
A surprising discovery occurred in the Ergani district of Diyarbakir, Türkiye, when an ancient mosaic layer was found during a grave excavation. The excavation, which took place in the Ozbilek neighborhood, was being conducted using a mechanical digger for a recently deceased local resident. Source: Türkiye Today
The 3500-year-old Hittite linen fabric, unearthed during archaeological excavations at the Şapinuva archaeological site in Çorum’s Ortaköy district in 1995, has been exhibited for the first time at the Çorum Museum. This rare find provides significant information about the Hittites’ textile technology and cultural heritage. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 11, 2025
Researchers find lost graves of literary figures in Istanbul
A group of researchers in Istanbul is searching for the lost graves of prominent Turkish poets and writers. While some graves in Istanbul’s old cemeteries are well-maintained and monumental, others are neglected, with fallen, nameless and ruined tombstones. Although burial records have been kept in recent years, many graves, including those of prominent figures in Turkish literature, have disappeared or been damaged. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Pera Museum collections now digitally accessible
The collections that the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation Pera Museum displayed since its establishment are now available in digital format. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
7 must-see ancient cuneiform tablets at Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Approximately 6,000 years ago, the cuneiform script was inscribed onto clay tablets, roughly the size of modern smartphones, in what is now southern Iraq. Using clay as a medium for writing was an ingenious method, as materials like parchment, papyrus, and paper were prone to decay. However, clay, being durable, has withstood the test of time and remains one of the most sustainable writing surfaces ever used. Source: Türkiye Today
March 12, 2025
Medieval mummy seized in Türkiye’s Nigde as authorities bust smuggling ring
Six suspects attempting to sell an ancient mummy believed to belong to a Christian individual from the medieval period have been detained in Nigde‘s Bor district, authorities confirmed. Source: Türkiye Today
March 13, 2025
25 million TL landscaping project underway at Temple of Apollo
Landscaping works have begun around the Didim Temple of Apollo site, with replacement of decades’ old iron fencing and 100-year-old walls. Source: Voices Newspaper
Aphrodisias: The Sculptural Capital of the Ancient World and the Magic of Marble
A hidden paradise in Aydın’s Karacasu district: Aphrodisias. This unique city, one of the most important art and culture centers of the ancient world, is dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. However, what truly brought fame to Aphrodisias was its unparalleled mastery in sculpture and the magic of marble. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
Mysterious Discovery in the Depths of Lake Van: Ancient Tower and Wall Remains Unearthed
Lake Van, Türkiye’s largest lake, continues to reveal its secrets. Led by Underwater Image Director Tahsin Ceylan, a team of divers discovered the remains of an ancient tower and wall at a depth of 15 meters off the coast of Akdamar Island. This discovery sheds light on the thousands of years of history of Lake Van. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 14, 2025
Ancient Aspendos city is being reborn
Sharing the results of the latest archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Aspendos, one of the most magnificent cities of Pamphylia with traces of life dating back nearly 6,000 years, Director of Aspendos excavations, Associate Professor Mustafa Bilgin, said that Aspendos is being reborn after 6,000 years, with exceptional mosaics and a Roman villa. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
The Glyptotek Museum has returned the statue head of Septimius Severus smuggled from Türkiye
Through the intensive efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Glyptotek Museum in Denmark has returned the head of the statue of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and 48 terracotta architectural plaques that were smuggled from Türkiye. This significant restitution marks a concrete victory in the fight against historical artifact smuggling. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 15, 2025
The 2700-Year-Old Ancient City of Attouda That Minted Its Own Coins
Located in the Sarayköy district of Denizli, Hisar Village, nestled in the heart of the Çürüksu Valley, is home to a rich heritage stretching from ancient times to the present day. The ancient city of Attouda, hidden within the village, offers visitors a journey through time. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
Irgandı Bridge: The World’s First Bazaar Bridge Defying Time with Its 583-Year History
In the heart of Bursa, a unique structure bearing the traces of the Ottoman Empire rises: the Irgandı Covered Bridge. Built in 1442, this historical bridge stands out not only as a landmark of Bursa but also as the world’s first covered bridge. With its 583-year history, the Irgandı Bridge is like a time tunnel, taking visitors on a journey deep into history. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 16, 2025
Rare Roman columbariums in Türkiye enter cultural records
Ancient Roman-era columbariums in the Haliliye and Bozova districts of Şanlıurfa are being officially recorded in the cultural inventory, local authorities announced on Saturday. Source: Daily Sabah
Karahantepe to Welcome Visitors in 2025
Rising in the mystical atmosphere of Şanlıurfa, in the shadow of Göbekli Tepe, Karahantepe draws attention as an important archaeological site that unlocks the secrets of the Neolithic Age. The impressive artifacts unearthed since the excavations began in 2019 transform Karahantepe from just an archaeological site into a time journey that sheds light on human history. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 17, 2025
Archaeological studies begin in Türkiye’s Selinus, where Roman Emperor Trajan died
Archaeological studies in Selinus ancient city, located on a hill extending into the sea southwest of Haci Musa Stream in Gazipasa, Antalya, will begin on a large scale in September, according to Associate Professor Tuna Akcay from Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. Source: Türkiye Today
In the Gereme region of Develi district in Kayseri, an agricultural calendar discovered by chance in 2013 and determined to be from the Roman Era holds a unique place in world archaeological literature. This discovery provides significant evidence that Gereme was a center for agriculture and agricultural education during that period. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 18, 2025
Letters from Allied forces in Gallipoli campaign surface
In a remarkable discovery, researchers in the northwestern city of Çanakkale have unearthed letters penned by Allied forces during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I, providing a poignant insight into the grim realities faced by soldiers in one of history's most challenging battles. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
March 19, 2025
Istanbul’s historic Sehzade Mosque faces deterioration, urgent restoration required
Sehzade Mosque, which Mimar Sinan (Architect Sinan) described as his “apprentice work,” is among the most magnificent mosques in Istanbul. However, the current state of the nearly five-century-old mosque saddens those who see it. Source: Türkiye Today
How Anatolia’s last hunter-gatherers pioneered copper metallurgy 9,000 years ago
New archaeological findings suggest that Anatolia’s last hunter-gatherers experimented with copper metallurgy much earlier than previously thought, reshaping our understanding of early technological advancements. Source: Türkiye Today
Diyarbakir Museum adds 7 thousand artifacts in a decade
The Diyarbakir Museum has added 7,030 historical artifacts to its collection over the past decade, through surface surveys, archaeological excavations, purchases from citizens, and efforts to combat smuggling. Source: Türkiye Today
Türkiye’s 600-year-old historic mosque reopens for worship after restoration
A 600-year-old historic mosque in Ordu’s Altinordu district has reopened for worship following extensive restoration work. Source: Türkiye Today
8,000-year-old rock paintings discovered in Türkiye’s Latmos Mountains
Newly discovered rock paintings estimated to be 8,000 years old have been found in the Latmos (Besparmak) Mountains, which stretch between Aydin and Mugla in western Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today
Türkiye Manuscripts Institution exhibits Ramadan heritage in Istanbul
The Türkiye Manuscripts Institution (TYEKB) inaugurated a special exhibition and conference titled "Ramadan and Ramazaniyyahs" at the Süleymaniye Manuscripts Library in Istanbul, Türkiye. The event highlighted the historical and literary significance of Ramadan through rare manuscripts and scholarly discussions. Source: Daily Sabah
March 20, 2025
1,600-year-old building in Istanbul unites four historic eras
Bearing witness to the rise and evolution of the Byzantine, Eastern Roman, Ottoman, and Republican periods, an impressive structure in Istanbul's historic Fatih district has withstood the test of time and now enchants observers with its rich tapestry of history. Over the centuries, extra layers have been built on top of the original foundation, which is thought to be at least 1,600 years old, resulting in a distinctive architectural timeline. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Mosaic Discovery Illuminates History in Elazığ’s Salkaya Village, Excavation Area to be Expanded [https://www.anatolianarchaeology.net/mosaic-discovery-illuminates-histor...
A 84-square-meter floor mosaic, accidentally discovered in Elazığ’s Salkaya Village, is shedding light on the region’s history. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums has placed this significant discovery under protection by declaring the area an archaeological site. Additionally, it has been decided to expand the excavation area due to the possibility of uncovering more historical finds in the region. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 22, 2025
Ancient sarcophagus discovered during infrastructure works in Türkiye’s Denizli
A significant archaeological discovery has been made in Türkiye’s Denizli province, where an ancient sarcophagus was unearthed during ongoing infrastructure works in the Kale district. Source: Türkiye Today
Antalya Archaeology Museum to be rebuilt on same site
The Antalya Archaeology Museum deemed structurally unsafe due to earthquake risks, will be reconstructed on its current site with a modern design inspired by the ancient city of Perge. With an estimated cost of $65 million, the project is set for completion by the end of 2026. The new museum will integrate indoor, outdoor, and semi-open spaces, offering visitors an immersive exploration experience. Source: Türkiye Today
Akçadağ ‘Küçükkürne caves’, which occurred 50 million years ago, with Hittite and Roman traces
In Akçadağ district of Malatya, the hidden paradise of Eastern Anatolia, the “Küçükkürne caves,” bearing the traces of millions of years of geological formations and ancient civilizations, are being prepared to be opened for tourism. Shaped by tectonic movements approximately 50 million years ago, these caves resemble an open-air museum with their Hittite and Roman period remains. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 24, 2025
Beneath Istanbul’s streets lies 4th-century masterpiece
During the restoration of Kazlicesme Sanat (Art Gallery) in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district, archaeologists uncovered a breathtaking mosaic dating back to the mid-to-late fourth century CE. Source: Türkiye Today
World-famous artists to gather once again in Ephesus
The International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival is set to spotlight Türkiye on the global art stage, according to State Opera and Ballet General Director Tan Sağtürk, who emphasizes that such events aim to transform the country into an arts destination. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Türkiye’s Gallipoli Campaign Mobile Museum opens in Tirana
A traveling exhibition featuring artifacts from the Gallipoli Campaign and digital displays has opened its second stop in Albania’s capital, Tirana, as part of the Gallipoli Campaign Mobile Museum project. Source: Türkiye Today
500-Year-Old Mosque’s Wall Paintings Made with Egg White
In Tuğlacık Village of Yağlıdere district in Giresun, the Hacı Abdullah Mosque, standing as if a time capsule, fascinates visitors with its 500-year history. What sets this mosque apart is the captivating paintings adorning its walls, preserving their original vibrancy for centuries. These unique artworks, created using natural dyes and egg white, leave onlookers in awe. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 25, 2025
Türkiye’s 2,500-year-old Knidos faces controversy over parking expansion
The planned expansion of a parking lot at the 2,500-year-old Knidos Ancient City, a significant site from the Carian period, has sparked heated debate. Experts fear that the project could damage the historic fabric of the site. Source: Türkiye Today
Pessinus: The Mysterious Home of Cybele in the Heart of Anatolia
Located in Ballıhisar village, 13 kilometers south of Sivrihisar on the Ankara-Eskişehir highway, Pessinus Ancient City hosts thousands of years of history hidden in the depths of Anatolia. This ancient city carries the traces of the past to the present with excavations started by Belgium Ghent University in 1967 and continued by Australia Melbourne University. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 26, 2025
Hittite Empire’s Mysterious Tablets Reborn in the Digital World: TLHdig 0.2 Released
Thousands of cuneiform tablets discovered in Boğazköy-Hattuşa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, belonging to the Hittite Empire that ruled from around 1650-1200 BC, have been made accessible to researchers and students through a digital tool. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 27, 2025
Pioneer of Turkish museology education, Professor Tomur Atagok, dies at 86
Professor Tomur Atagok, a trailblazer in academic museology and a distinguished painter and academic, has passed away at the age of 86. A pivotal figure in the Turkish art scene, Atagok was instrumental in shaping the future of museology education in Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today
Gevher Nesibe Medical Complex: A timeless landmark of Seljuk medicine and love
The Gevher Nesibe Darussifasi (Medical Complex) and Giyasiya Madrasa in Kayseri, which began with a love story, now attract visitors with their historical significance and medical heritage, featuring a hospital and museum. Source: Türkiye Today
Türkiye’s first paper museum keeps Ottoman papermaking tradition alive
Since opening its doors in 2013, the Ibrahim Muteferrika Paper Museum in Yalova has attracted millions of visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the Ottoman Empire’s traditional paper-making techniques. Source: Türkiye Today
In Troy, Wine Was a Drink for the Common People, Not Just the Elite
In the Ancient City of Troy, where legends and realities intertwine through thousands of years of history, the belief that wine was a luxury drink exclusive to the elite has been radically changed by a scientific study. A collaborative effort by archaeologists from the Universities of Tübingen, Bonn, and Jena has proven that wine was widely consumed by ordinary Trojans during the Bronze Age. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
March 28, 2025
Unique 6,000-Year-Old Sacred Hearths and Karaz Pottery Discovered at Tadım Mound in Elazığ
Archaeological excavations at Tadım Castle and Tadım Mound (Tadım Höyük), located within the borders of Tadım Village in Elazığ, continue to uncover significant findings that illuminate the region’s history. The excavations conducted by the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum have revealed numerous artifacts dating back to the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages. Source: Arkeonews
15th-century hammam in Konya to be transformed into water museum
The historic Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey Hammam, located next to the Meram Bridge in Türkiye's Konya, is undergoing restoration by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality and will be transformed into a water museum. Source: Daily Sabah
Bronze Age tomb in Turkey reveals mass sacrifice of teenage girls
Archaeologists have made an enigmatic discovery at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Başur Höyük in southeastern Turkey: a significantly high number of adolescent remains buried in elaborate graves. The discovery, published in the Cambridge Archaeological Journal, sheds new light on the social and political organization of Bronze Age Mesopotamia, contradicting long-held assumptions regarding the rise of early states. Source: Archaeology News
Danishmend-era wooden mosque in N. Türkiye undergoes restoration
Restoration work has begun on an 800-year-old wooden mosque built during the Danishmend era in the Terme district of Samsun in northern Türkiye, preserving one of the region's significant cultural landmarks. Source: Daily Sabah
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