12,000-Year-Old Çayönü Tepesi Reveals Neolithic Grid Structures and a Bronze Age Water Channel
New archaeological discoveries from Çayönü Tepesi, one of the most significant Neolithic sites in Southeastern Türkiye, have brought fresh insights into early settled life. Excavations in the eastern section of the site have unearthed four grid-planned buildings dating to the Neolithic period (10,200–6,500 BCE) and a water channel from the Early Bronze Age (3100–1100 BCE).
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
Traces of Assyrian Trade Colonies Emerging in Türkiye’s Yassı Höyük: Are Written Tablets on the Horizon?
Excavations at Yassı Höyük, located in the Afşin district of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, are shedding light on layers potentially dating back to the Assyrian Trade Colonies Period. Excavation director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Baştürk expressed growing excitement: “We’re wondering — are we getting close to written sources? Could we uncover tablets or other records?” Launched in
2025 Excavation Season Begins at Antandros Ancient City: Focus on Early Christian Baptistery
The 2025 excavation season has officially started at the ancient city of Antandros, located in the Edremit district of Balıkesir, Türkiye. Led by Prof. Dr. Gürcan Polat, a faculty member at Ege University’s Department of Classical Archaeology, the excavation team continues to uncover the deep-rooted history of the site. Baptistery Becomes the Main Excavation Area
‘Star Watcher’ Figurine Found in Gedikkaya Cave Could Rewrite Human History
Archaeological excavations carried out between 2019 and 2023 in Gedikkaya Cave, located in Bilecik Province, northwest Türkiye, have uncovered groundbreaking evidence that could reshape the narrative of early human settlement. Among the remarkable discoveries is a marble figurine known as the “Star Watcher,” which is believed to date back to the Chalcolithic period (5500–3500 BCE)
Byzantine-Era Chapel to Be Restored at Historic Fethiye Castle in Türkiye
An ancient chapel dating back to the Byzantine period has been uncovered during ongoing archaeological excavations at Fethiye Castle in Muğla, southwestern Türkiye. Restoration efforts are now underway to preserve the structure and open it to visitors. Excavations Continue on the Lower Slopes of the Castle The archaeological work is being carried out in the
2,200-Year-Old Statue Caught in Fishermen’s Net Now on Display at Marmaris Museum
A 2,200-year-old bronze statue of a woman, accidentally discovered by fishermen off the coast of Muğla’s Marmaris district in Türkiye, is now on display for the first time at the Marmaris Museum. The statue, which was found in 2020 in the Hisarönü Gulf by the crew of the fishing vessel Azimler, was caught in their
Excavations Resume at Kurul Fortress, Home to the 2,100-Year-Old Mother Goddess Cybele Statue
Kurul Fortress, perched atop the historic heights of Ordu, has earned its place in archaeological literature as the site where the remarkable 2,100-year-old Mother Goddess Cybele statue was uncovered. Now, the ongoing excavations are preparing to enter their 16th season. Recognized as one of the earliest archaeological fortress excavations in the Black Sea region, Kurul
Türkiye Returns 6,000-Year-Old Cuneiform Clay Tablets to Iraq
Türkiye has respectfully returned six ancient cuneiform clay tablets to Iraq in a formal ceremony, honoring the rich cultural heritage of Mesopotamia. These artifacts, originating from the Old Ur, Akkadian, and Babylonian civilizations, contain valuable records related to economic, administrative, and religious matters. The handover took place at the Republic Museum in Ankara, attended by
2,400-Year-Old Shops to Be Unearthed in Hyllarima, One of Anatolia’s Best-Preserved Ancient Cities
Ongoing archaeological excavations in Hyllarima Ancient City, located in the Kavaklıdere district of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, continue to shed light on the region’s rich past. Known as one of the rare ancient settlements in Anatolia that has remained remarkably well-preserved, Hyllarima is now revealing new secrets—2,400-year-old shop structures located in the heart of the ancient