Gümüşler Monastery: The Petra of Anatolia and the Mystery of the “Smiling Virgin Mary”
The Gümüşler Monastery, one of Cappadocia’s best-preserved monasteries, often referred to as the “Petra of Anatolia,” draws attention with its historical structure and frescoes. Located in the Gümüşler town of Niğde in the Cappadocia region, the Gümüşler Monastery is famous for its “Smiling Virgin Mary” fresco. Believed to have been built between the 8th and
First Mesolithic Human Figurine Found in Damjili Cave, Azerbaijan
The first human figurine dating back to the Mesolithic period has been discovered in the Damjili Cave in Gazakh, as announced by Doctor of History Yagub Mammadov, the head of the Azerbaijani-Japanese Damjili International Archaeological Expedition affiliated with the Institute of Archeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), in a statement
Excavation of Thrace’s Oldest Known Thracian Settlement Underway in Tekirdağ: Temple of Hera and Sacred Area of the God of Health Discovered
In the Süleymanpaşa district of Tekirdağ, an important archaeological excavation is underway on the shores of the Marmara Sea. Led by Professor Dr. Neşe Atik, the excavations aim to unearth the earliest known Thracian settlement in the Thrace region. This ancient settlement, with a history spanning approximately 5,000 years and dating back to the 3rd
Hattusha’s Timeless Beauty on World Hittite Day
As the calendars marked April 15th, World Hittite Day, a whisper from the depths of history echoed with silent admiration. Hattusha, once the heart of the mighty Hittite Empire, continues to welcome its visitors with its enchanting atmosphere. Situated southwest of Çorum, at the foothills of Boğazkale, this ancient city, embraced by seven kilometers of
77th Year Excavations Begin at Kültepe Kanesh-Karum Archaeological Site, Tracing 6,000 Years of History
The 77th year of excavations is commencing at the Kültepe Kanesh-Karum Archaeological Site, where archaeological findings and documents dating back 6,000 years are being unearthed, known as “the place where Anatolian history began.” Excavation Head Prof. Dr. Fikri Kulakoğlu stated, “We are also trying to shed light on the period approximately 4,500 years ago. Before
Hittite Mythology: Embracing Chaos in the Myths of Hedammu and Illuyanka
Hittite mythology is a rich and complex belief system that reflects the influence of gods, goddesses, and natural forces on human life; this mythology is filled with profound narratives that shape the worldview, values, and cultural identity of ancient Hittite society. In the rich tapestry of ancient mythology, the tales of Hedammu and Illuyanka stand
Roman Traces in the Heart of Germany: Surprising Discoveries in Delbrück-Bentfeld
In the quiet countryside of northwestern Germany, archaeological excavations in Delbrück-Bentfeld have uncovered an unexpected Roman presence beyond the borders of the Roman Empire. This discovery reshapes our understanding of Roman influence in the region and illuminates the complex interaction between Roman settlers and local populations. Located on the banks of the Lippe River, approximately
A Remarkable Newly Deciphered Hittite Tablet Sheds New Light on The Trojan War
The Hittites, creators of invaluable written records from the Anatolian Bronze Age, have gifted us thousands of cuneiform tablets unearthed at sites like their capital, Hattusa (modern Boğazköy, Çorum). Hittitologists, by deciphering these tablets, have revealed crucial insights into Hittite history, religion, and economy, while also providing a window into life in ancient Anatolia. A
Esatlı Rock Inscriptions Reveal That Turkish Migrations to Anatolia Occurred Earlier Than Previously Thought
Turkish tribes initiated a westward migration wave from the lands known as Central Asia. The Turkish people who migrated westward in two major branches reached Anatolia in one branch, while the other branch moved towards Europe through the Russian steppes. According to official history, the Turks’ adoption of Anatolia as their homeland began with the
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. This innovative platform, called Thesaurus Linguarum Hethaeorum Digitalis (TLHdig), provides online access to sources in Hittite and other Anatolian languages,