Restoration of Laodicea’s Ancient Theater Completed
The restoration work of the ancient theater of Laodicea, founded by Seleucid King II. Antiochus in honor of his wife Laodice in the 3rd century BC, has been completed. Laodicea, located in Denizli province of modern-day Türkiye, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List. The city is also home to one of the
Royal Divorce Decree from the Hittite King to Ugarit: 3300-Year-Old Scandalous Love and Political Intrigue
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. Secrets Hidden in the
The 12,000-Year Neolithic World of Göbekli Tepe Animated
Step into the enigmatic world of Göbekli Tepe and embark on a journey 12,000 years into the past, to a time when the world’s oldest temples rose. This unique experience, brought to life through captivating animations, allows you to unravel the mysteries of the Neolithic era. Göbekli Tepe, located near Örencik village in the Haliliye
Reflections of Ancient Anatolia: Unraveling the Production Center and Techniques of Obsidian Mirrors at Tepecik Çiftlik
Recent research at Tepecik Çiftlik, a site illuminating the Neolithic period in the heart of Anatolia, is uncovering the mysteries of obsidian mirrors used since the 8th millennium BC. These rare artifacts, distinguished by their elegant circular shapes and captivating reflective surfaces, offer significant insights into the social and ritualistic world of that era, beyond
Experts Working to Unearth ‘Mosaic House’ in Pergamon
In Bergama, Izmir, Türkiye, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pergamon is being revitalized through excavations under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future Project.” Led by Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sezgin, Head of the Archeology Department at Manisa Celal Bayar University, the team is diligently working to uncover the impressive “Mosaic House,”
Byzantine Bridge: Strong Against Earthquakes, Vulnerable to Looters
A historic, single-arched bridge, believed to date back to the Byzantine era, located in Erbaa district of Tokat, northeastern Türkiye, has withstood the test of time and earthquakes, but has fallen victim to treasure hunters. The Yer Köprü, still in use by the local community, is renowned for its resilience. However, the relentless pursuit of
Japanese Archaeologists Find 4,200-Year-Old Evidence of Iron Workmanship at Kaman Kalehöyük
Japanese archaeologists have made striking discoveries related to ironworking in the Bronze Age layer dating back 4,200 years at the Kaman Kalehöyük excavation site in Central Anatolia. Located northeast of Kaman District, just northwest of Kırşehir city center, this ancient settlement contains four distinct cultural layers from the Ottoman Period, Iron Age, Middle and Late
One of the Rare Structures in Anatolia That Has Preserved Its Original Form: Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Mosque
Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a remarkable example of Anatolian Seljuk architecture, is one of the rare structures in the region that has preserved its original form. This historical mosque attracts the attention of both local and international tourists. Constructed in the 14th century, the mosque showcases intricate wooden craftsmanship, exquisite calligraphy, and unique architectural features that
A 1,500-year-old historical cistern has been transformed into a spa center in Türkiye
The 1,500-year-old historical cistern located next to the Ayasofya-i Kebir Mosque has been repurposed as a spa center by a five-star hotel. The establishment, named Navitas Spa Cistern, sparked significant controversy by adding a pool inside the historical cistern and creating private massage rooms on the lower floors. The Ayasofya Museum was reopened for worship
The Mystery of 3,500-Year-Old Ashes in Anatolia Unveiled
In 2023, excavations at Tepecik Mound in the Çine district of Aydın, Türkiye, revealed a significant layer of dense ash. Due to the color and composition of the ash, the research team hypothesized that it might be linked to a volcanic eruption. To confirm their findings, they sent samples to the Atomic Institute of Vienna