Hagia Sophia in Iznik, ancient Nicaea

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 01/17/2025 - 11:30

This text is a fragment of a guidebook to Iznik "The Highlights of Iznik. Treasures of the ancient Nicaea".

A small and quite inconspicuous building of the historical Hagia Sophia church is located in the centre of Iznik. For many centuries, it has been a silent witness to important events that have had a significant impact on the fate of large human communities, sparked heated debates and stirred up huge controversies. Even in the 21st century, the political decisions made about its future caused a media storm and provoked discussion about the direction in which The Republic of Turkey is heading.

Milas

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 01/07/2025 - 10:40

This text is a fragment of "The Secrets of Bodrum and Ancient Caria" guidebook.

Milas is now a small and inconspicuous town that was once the capital of ancient Caria. Today, tourists probably associate it mainly with the Milas-Bodrum airport, where charter flights land, bringing holidaymakers eager to relax on the Bodrum peninsula. However, there are several interesting places in Milas that are worth stopping there for a while before setting off to the Aegean coast.

Decorative inscription from the Grand Mosque of Milas/Ozdobna inskrypcja z meczetu Ulu Cami w Milasie

Archaeology in Turkey - 2024 in review

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 01/01/2025 - 10:52

The year 2024 was an exciting time for Turkish archaeological discoveries, bringing numerous fascinating artefacts to light. Below, we bring you the summary of this remarkable year, including the new publications for the Turkish Archaeological News portal.

The Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates in Ephesus

December 2024 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 01/01/2025 - 10:32

December 2024 was the month of several significant archaeological discoveries made in the area of Turkey. Ongoing excavations at the Prusias ad Hypium in the Konuralp region unearthed three significant Roman-era artefacts. A cylindrical seal made of jade stone dating back to 4,400 years ago was found in Kütahya's Seyitömer Höyük. Moreover, in Bozcaada island, a castle bath dating back 366 years to the reign of Sultan Mehmed IV was uncovered. Finally, a 2,700-year-old wall built by the Lydians to protect the ancient city of Daskyleion from attacks was found at the shores of Lake Manyas in Bandirma in Balikesir Province.

Hazeranlar Mansion in Amasya

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:23

On the northern bank of the Yeşilırmak River in Amasya there is a district of old Ottoman houses called Hatuniye Mahallesi. Near the stairs leading to the Tombs of the Pontic Kings stands the mansion called Hazeranlar Konağı. It was built in 1865 and underwent a major renovation in 1979.