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
The U.S. is returning the statue of Marcus Aurelius to Türkiye after 65 years
In a significant cultural development, the United States will return the Marcus Aurelius statue to Türkiye after 65 years. This bronze statue, which comes from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur, was taken abroad during the 1960s through illegal excavations. Currently, it resides in the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio. The Ministry of
The genetic study show that sheep were first raised in Central Anatolia
Scientists have conducted a significant genetic study showing that early domesticated sheep originated in Central Anatolia. This research highlights humanity’s transition to a settled lifestyle. An international team, led by geneticists from Trinity College and zooarchaeologists from LMU Munich and the Bavarian State Collections of Natural History (SNSB), analyzed 118 genomes from archaeological bones. These
2000-Year-Old Roman Bath Columns Restored to Their Former Glory
The 2000-year-old Roman bath columns of the ancient city of Stratonikeia, known as the “City of Gladiators”, have been successfully restored. Stratonikeia, located in the Yatağan district of Muğla, is one of the largest marble cities in the world. Archaeological excavations in the city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, continue under
1500-Year-Old Bronze Object Used as a Beverage Filter Discovered in Hadrianopolis Excavations
Excavation efforts at the ancient city of Hadrianopolis have uncovered a bronze artifact believed to date back to the 5th century AD. This item, identified as a beverage filter, was found in the Eskipazar district of Karabük, Turkey. Historical Importance of Hadrianopolis Founded during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian II, Hadrianopolis emerged as a