The archaeological discoveries announced in Turkey in November 2024 strongly focussed on the Urartian heritage of the eastern part of the country. During archaeological excavations in Van’s Tuşba district, a basalt stone statue weighing nearly one ton, dating back to the Urartian period, was uncovered. In the excavations at an Urartian-era fortress in Van’s Ipekyolu district, archaeologists uncovered 42 inscribed pithoi, large ancient storage jars. Moreover, the excavations at Ayanis Castle in Van's Tuşba district in eastern Türkiye revealed the grandeur of the ancient fortress, once a symbol of the Urartian Kingdom, as newly uncovered walls highlight its impressive structure.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for November 2024. Have we missed anything? Please let us know by using Contact tab!
November 1, 2024
Experts to uncover secret of statue at Garibin Tepe
During archaeological excavations in Van’s Tuşba district, a basalt stone statue weighing nearly one ton, dating back to the Urartian period, was uncovered in an area that was subjected to a rescue excavation last year. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Rare fibula, coin unearthed at Türkiye’s Hadrianopolis
Excavations in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis, located in Karabuk’s Eskipazar district, unearthed a Roman-era fibula (brooch) and a coin depicting the “River God” motif. Source: Türkiye Today
Hilar Rock Tombs in Diyarbakir designated as archaeological site
In a historic move to bolster tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Directorate General of Cultural Heritage and Museums has officially designated the “Hilar Rock Tombs” in Diyarbakir’s Ergani district as an archaeological site. Source: Türkiye Today
World Neolithic Congress set to convene in Türkiye’s Sanliurfa
The “World Neolithic Congress,” organized by Istanbul University and Harran University with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, will take place in Sanliurfa, Türkiye, from Nov. 4 to 8. Source: Türkiye Today
November 2, 2024
Ancient Roman milestone found in Ordu to be displayed in museum
A milestone from the Roman period, estimated to be approximately 1,800 years old, has been delivered to Ordu Museum Directorate for exhibition. The historic stone was previously used in the foundation of Laleli Central Mosque in Ordu’s Fatsa district. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient infrastructure, church unveiled at Konuralp Theater
Recent archaeological excavations at the Konuralp Ancient Theater in the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium, located in the northwestern province of Düzce, have uncovered an ancient network of terracotta pipes, along with the remains of a Byzantine church. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
November 4, 2024
1,500-year-old artifacts smuggled from Türkiye return home
A Byzantine-era oil lamp, seven coins, and a gold medallion dating back to the fourth century have been returned to Türkiye from Switzerland as a result of a cultural property trafficking investigation. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
World Neolithic Congress kicks off in Sanliurfa with Minister Ersoy’s address
The World Neolithic Congress, aimed at fostering new perspectives on understanding Neolithic cultures worldwide, began in Sanliurfa, Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today
November 6, 2024
Church in ancient city to open to tourism
The Church of the Apostles (Havariler Kilisesi) in the ancient city of Anavarza, historically known as the "Invincible City," will soon open to tourism following excavations conducted as part of the Legacy to the Future Project. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
2,000-year-old theatre mask, monumental gate unearthed in Türkiye’s Aizanoi
During ongoing excavations in the Cavdarhisar district of Türkiye’s Kutahya, archaeologists have uncovered significant artifacts in the ancient city of Aizanoi, including a monumental gate structure and a 2,000-year-old terracotta theatre mask. Source: Türkiye Today
November 7, 2024
Middle Bronze Age structure uncovered at Tatarlı Mound
A Middle Bronze Age structure with a plastered floor, thought to be sacred, has been uncovered at Tatarlı Mound, an uninterrupted settlement spanning from the Neolithic to the Early Roman period, located in the southern province of Adana. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Demirkapi Viladethanesi: Türkiye’s first maternity hospital and its historic role
The Demirkapi Viladethanesi (meaning maternity hospital in Ottoman Turkish), the first maternity hospital in Turkish medical history, was opened in 1892 within Gulhane Park. Source: Türkiye Today
1800 Years Old Roman Milestone Used as Seat at Turkish Mosque
A milestone from the Roman Emperor Gordianus III period, which dates to 239 AD, was discovered in the Fatsa district of Ordu province in northeastern Türkiye. Source: Arkeonews
November 8, 2024
Debunking claims about Gobeklitepe
There have long been rumors and speculations surrounding the enigmatic neolithic Gobeklitepe site which is considered to be the world’s oldest communal complex. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient Urartian storage jars reveal insights into Van’s agricultural heritage
Archaeologists uncovered 42 inscribed pithoi, large ancient storage jars, during excavations at an Urartian-era fortress in Van’s Ipekyolu district. Source: Türkiye Today
Protocol seat unearthed in ancient theater at Türkiye’s Apollonia ad Rhyndacum
In one of Türkiye’s most scenic villages, Golyazi in Bursa’s Nilufer district, an ancient theater has been partially uncovered in the Apollonia ad Rhyndacum excavation, shedding light on Hellenistic period lifestyles and reserved seating customs. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient silver fortune of 1,100 coins unearthed in Türkiye’s Mersin Cemetery during grave dig
In a surprising discovery in Tarsus, Türkiye, locals preparing a gravesite in a village cemetery unearthed an ancient ceramic jar holding over 1,100 silver coins. Source: Türkiye Today
November 9, 2024
Karahantepe’s hidden relics leopard bones, fire pits in Türkiye reveal Neolithic mysteries
A wealth of animal bones, including those of leopards, wolves, vultures and foxes, has emerged from recent excavations in Karahantepe, a major Neolithic site in Türkiye. Archaeologists also uncovered numerous hearths within these ancient structures, potentially pointing to unique communal practices. Source: Türkiye Today
November 10, 2024
Excavations at Ayanis Castle unveil magnificent Urartian walls
Excavations at Ayanis Castle in Van's Tuşba district in eastern Türkiye reveal the grandeur of the ancient fortress, once a symbol of the Urartian Kingdom, as newly uncovered walls highlight its impressive structure. Source: Daily Sabah
November 11, 2024
Herakleia's Roman bath being unearthed
Excavations are ongoing at a bath, the only surviving Roman-era structure in the ancient city of Herakleia in the western province of Muğla's Milas district. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Behind ancient curtains – Hidden actor rooms in Türkiye’s Prusias ad Hypium theatre
Ongoing excavation and restoration work at the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium in Duzce, Türkiye, has led to the discovery of fascinating rooms within the stage building, known as the skene. These areas, thought to have been used as dressing rooms, actor lodges, and decorative storage spaces, shed new light on the theatre’s operational structure. Source: Türkiye Today
November 12, 2024
1,600-year-old Prophet Solomon pendant unearthed in Türkiye’s Hadrianopolis
In an extraordinary archaeological discovery, a pendant depicting Prophet Solomon has been unearthed in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis, located in the Eskipazar district of Karabuk, Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today
2,200-year-old fingerprints found in Cappadocia’s first tumulus excavation
In a groundbreaking excavation in Türkiye’s historic Cappadocia region, researchers have discovered 2,200-year-old fingerprints embedded in the plaster of an ancient tomb. Source: Türkiye Today
Ayanis Fortress’ majesty revealed with its walls
In the eastern province of Van’s Tuşba district, the majesty of the Urartian-era Ayanis Fortress is becoming more distinct with the walls unearthed during ongoing excavations. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
November 13, 2024
Polygonal structure in Alexandria Troas restored
A polygonal structure found in Alexandria Troas, which is believed to be 1,850 years old and located near the village of Dalyan in the northwestern province of Çanakkale's Ezine district, is being restored to its original form as part of ongoing restoration work. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
November 14, 2024
Ancient pendant found at Hadrianopolis
Excavations at the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in Eskipazar, Karabük — a settlement from the Late Chalcolithic, Roman, and Early Byzantine periods— have revealed a stunning pendant amulet bearing the image of the Prophet Solomon. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Stolen goddess figurine from Catalhoyuk returns to Türkiye
A remarkable piece of history has returned to its homeland after decades abroad. The Mother Goddess Figurine, discovered in the 1960s during excavations at the ancient site of Catalhoyuk, has now been brought back to Türkiye after being illegally taken to the United States. Source: Türkiye Today
Most artifact returns to Türkiye come from US
Over the past 20 years, more than 12,150 artifacts have been successfully returned to the country, Zeynep Boz, head of the Anti-Smuggling Department at Türkiye’s Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums said. Source: Türkiye Today
November 15, 2024
During the excavations in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in Eskipazar district of Karabük, Türkiye, an amulet from the 5th century A.D. depicting the Prophet Solomon spearing the devil on horseback was unearthed. Source: Arkeonews
New finds at Kerkenes ruins: Walls, figures unearthed in Türkiye’s ancient city Pteria
Recent excavations at the Kerkenes Ruins in Yozgat’s Sorgun district have unearthed significant new discoveries. The site, located within the boundaries of Sahmuratli village, has revealed parts of the walls of Keykavus Castle, as well as notable symbols including a cross and an animal head relief. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient grains reveal 5,000 years of farming history in Türkiye’s Seyitomer Hoyuk
Archaeologists in Türkiye made groundbreaking discoveries at Seyitomer Hoyuk, a site located within a thermal power plant area in Kutahya. Burned cereal grains—including wheat, lentils, chickpeas, and poppy seeds—have been unearthed, offering a window into the agricultural practices and daily life of the Early and Middle Bronze Age. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient ruins emerge as Türkiye’s Sapanca Lake’s water level drops to record low
The water level of Sapanca Lake, a crucial freshwater source for 3 million residents in Kocaeli and Sakarya, has dropped to an alarming 30.05 meters, revealing previously submerged historical ruins. Source: Türkiye Today
Türkiye’s Pisa Towers threatened by earthquakes: Yivli Minare tilts 35 cm
Antalya’s iconic Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret) has tilted 35 centimeters southward, joining the ranks of Türkiye’s “leaning towers.” Structural concerns are rising as experts highlight the impact of seismic activity and ground conditions on this historic landmark. Source: Türkiye Today
November 18, 2024
Hadrian’s fountain in Türkiye’s Sagalassos restored to former glory
In Türkiye’s Burdur province, excavation and restoration efforts are underway to resurrect the monumental Hadrian’s fountain in the ancient city of Sagalassos. Source: Türkiye Today
Last Sumerian queen Muazzez Ilmiye Cig passes away at 110
Muazzez Ilmiye Cig, Türkiye’s celebrated Sumerologist, archaeologist and linguist, passed away on Sunday at the age of 110. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient insights unveiled in Türkiye’s Antakya Hippodrome excavations
Fragments of two terracotta figurines have been unearthed during archaeological excavations around the Antakya ancient Hippodrome in Hatay, shedding light on the intellectual heritage of the Early Hellenistic Period. Source: Türkiye Today
November 19, 2024
Ancient sheep domestication traced to Türkiye, study reveals
An international team of scientists, led by experts from Hacettepe University and Middle East Technical University uncovered the historical roots of sheep domestication, identifying Türkiye as a significant domestication center. Source: Türkiye Today
Hatay’s hidden history unearthed beneath earthquake rubble
Rescue excavations are underway in Hatay, Türkiye, after the discovery of a historical structure believed to date back to the Late Antique period. The site was uncovered during debris removal from a house destroyed in the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras. Source: Türkiye Today
Gaziantep Castle will open for visitors at the end of the year
Gaziantep Castle, severely damaged in the devastating Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes on Feb. 6, 2023, is set to reopen to visitors by the end of the year following extensive reinforcement and restoration efforts. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Archaeologists revive 2,100-year-old Roman strategy game in Türkiye’s Alanya
The ancient Roman strategy game “Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum,” also known as “Roman Backgammon,” is captivating visitors at the Syedra Ancient City in Alanya, Antalya. Once a popular pastime during Roman and Byzantine times, the game has been recreated to offer modern visitors a glimpse into history. Source: Türkiye Today
Missing head of 4th-century A.D. statue unveiled in Türkiye
The missing head of a 4th-century A.D. statue, believed to represent an upper-class public official, has been uncovered in the ancient city of Tripolis, located in Denizli’s Buldan district. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery, marking a significant achievement on the first anniversary of the “Legacy for the Future Project.” Source: Türkiye Today
November 21, 2024
Kestros Fountain in Perge starts flowing after 1,800 years
The Kestros Fountain, believed to have been built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century, has started flowing once again in the ancient city of Perge in the southern province of Antalya. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Amida Hoyuk excavations in Diyarbakir unearth rare Gallipoli War badge
A rare Gallipoli Battle badge has been uncovered during ongoing excavations at Amida Hoyuk, an ancient mound in Diyarbakir, located in southeastern Türkiye. The discovery adds to the growing list of significant archaeological finds at the site, which has been continuously inhabited by numerous ancient civilizations, from the Hurri-Mitanni to the Ottoman Empire. Source: Türkiye Today
November 22, 2024
109 new graves unearthed at Türkiye’s Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery
Excavations at Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery in Bitlis, Türkiye, have revealed 109 new graves, including 65 belonging to children. The discovery was made as part of the “Legacy for the Future” project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Source: Türkiye Today
November 23, 2024
Water flows again after 1,800 years at ancient Kestros Fountain in Türkiye’s Perge
In a significant archaeological achievement, the Kestros Fountain in the ancient city of Perge has started flowing with water again after nearly 1,800 years. The fountain, which dates back to the second century A.D. and was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian, has been revitalized through extensive restoration efforts supported by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Source: Türkiye Today
November 25, 2024
Queen Amastris' city rises again
Restoration work is being carried out to restore an approximately 2,000-year-old stoa structure (colonnaded gallery) from the Roman period, located in the ancient city of Amastris in the northern province of Bartın's Amasra district. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
45 artifacts returned to Türkiye in 2024
In a significant stride against cultural property smuggling, Türkiye successfully repatriated 45 historical artifacts from abroad this year, reaffirming its commitment to preserving its rich heritage. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
November 26, 2024
Denmark to return head of Roman emperor's statue to Türkiye
The Glyptotek museum in Denmark announced Tuesday that it will repatriate a bronze head of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, which has been part of its collection for over 50 years, to Türkiye. Source: Daily Sabah
Archaeologists find ancient inscription honoring Hadrian in w. Türkiye
Archaeologists unearthed a rare inscription dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, while conducting excavations at the ancient city of Blaundos in Türkiye's western Uşak province. Source: Daily Sabah
November 28, 2024
Barracks to become a cultural center
The Mahmudiye (Infantry) Barracks, constructed during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II in the northwestern province of Edirne, will be transformed into a cultural center. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Türkiye’s Seddulbahir Fortress restoration wins prestigious heritage award
The restoration of Seddulbahir Fortress, a foundation project commissioned by Valide Hatice Turhan Sultan, mother of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed IV, has won the “Heritage Project” award in the architecture category of the Dezeen Awards, one of the world’s most esteemed design competitions. Source: Türkiye Today
November 29, 2024
Archaeologists have discovered a sacred room and stone from the Phrygian period, dating back 2,600 years, during excavations at the Oluz Höyük settlement mound in the village of Toklucak in Türkiye’s Black Sea province of Amasya. Source: Arkeonews
Sacred altar, figurines unearthed in Türkiye’s Phaselis Ancient City
In the ongoing excavations at Phaselis Ancient City, located in Kemer, Antalya, a sacred altar dedicated to Apollo and votive offering figurines, including depictions of humans and lions, have been uncovered. Source: Türkiye Today
Akmanastır: A hidden historical gem in central Anatolia
Located in the Central Anatolian province of Konya, the Akmanastır Monastery, featuring architecture similar to that of Cappadocia and carved into rock, has been revealed after the relocation of military barracks. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Excavation unveils 2,000-year-old tombs, rare inscriptions at Kizilkoyun necropolis
Excavation and restoration efforts are currently underway at the Kizilkoyun necropolis in Sanliurfa, where 2,000-year-old rock tombs have been uncovered. The ongoing project is a collaboration between the Sanliurfa Metropolitan Municipality, the Museum Directorate, and archaeologists from the Tourism Promotion Branch. Source: Türkiye Today
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