April 2025 in Turkish archaeology

Ancient Stratonikeia
Ancient Stratonikeia

April 2025 brought several significant discoveries from the area of Türkiye, many of them related to ancient burial customs. For instance, ongoing excavations at Stratonikeia unearthed a remarkable 2,000-year-old sarcophagus adorned with intricate garland motifs. During the ongoing restoration of the 540-year-old Gulbahar Hatun Mosque in Tokat, historical tomb remnants were discovered. Moreover, a group of tourists exploring an ancient Roman aqueduct in Bursa’s Iznik (Nicaea) stumbled upon an unexpected relic — a tombstone believed to date back to the Ottoman Empire. Finally, a Roman-era chamber tomb was uncovered near the Tralleis ancient city in Aydin’s Efeler district during road renovation works initiated by the local municipality.

Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for April 2025. Have we missed anything? Please let us know by using Contact tab!

April 1, 2025

Türkiye’s Euromos Zeus Temple to regain its former glory with restored columns

Archaeologists working in the Milas district of Mugla province are meticulously restoring the 1,860-year-old temple, which has suffered significant structural damage over time. The temple, located in Selimiye, dates back to the second century BCE and stands as one of the best-preserved ancient sanctuaries in Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today

Century-old milk separator at Kars Cheese Museum offers a journey through time

Nestled within the historic Suvari Tabyasi in Kars, Türkiye’s first thematic Cheese Museum takes visitors on an immersive journey through the region’s rich dairy traditions. From showcasing the production of renowned cheeses like gruyere to highlighting the rustic lifestyle of the highlands, the museum offers a deep dive into the essence of cheese-making. Source: Türkiye Today

Ancient tomb remains found at Gulbahar Hatun Mosque during restoration in Türkiye’s Tokat

During the ongoing restoration of the 540-year-old Gulbahar Hatun Mosque in Tokat, Türkiye, historical tomb remnants have been discovered. The mosque, protected under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism‘s General Directorate of Foundations, was originally built by Sultan Bayezid II in 1485 in memory of his mother, Gulbahar Hatun. Source: Türkiye Today

New Hittite Tablet Reveals Luwian Songs on the Fall of Troy

The Trojan War is one of the most famous legends of Greek mythology, yet its historicity remains a topic of intense debate among scholars. Recently, a remarkable new discovery has emerged from the archives of Hittite texts, shaking the very foundations of how we perceive this legendary conflict. Published under the auspices of Oxford’s Michele Bianconi, the newly deciphered tablet—Keilfischurkunden aus Boghazköi 24.1—offers what could be one of the most tantalizing written connections between Bronze Age Anatolia and the epic tradition that culminated in Homer’s “Iliad.” Source: Arkeonews

April 2, 2025

Walking on history: Ancient mosaics beneath Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square is one of the must-visit places in Istanbul, where history whispers through the towering minarets and ancient domes. But did you know that as you walk near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you may be stepping on the remnants of a magnificent mosaic floor from a lost imperial palace? Source: Türkiye Today

Copper smelting in Anatolia pre-dates previous findings by 3,000 years

Kocaeli University’s Archaeometry Research Group has discovered that the copper smelting and casting process in Anatolia dates back 3,000 years earlier than previously known, originating around 8,000 B.C.E. at the Gre Fılla excavation site in the southeastern city of Diyarbakır, rather than the widely accepted 5,000 B.C.E. in the southern province of Mersin. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Türkiye’s timeless treasures restored with ‘Heritage for the Future’ project

Türkiye’s ancient cities are undergoing a remarkable transformation as part of the “Heritage for the Future Project.” Among these revitalized historical gems are Stratonikeia and Teos, two ancient cities that offer a rich tapestry of history from different eras. Source: Türkiye Today

April 3, 2025

Artistic legacy of Teos Ancient City in İzmir being revived

The ancient city of Teos, situated in the western province of İzmir and famed as a vibrant cultural hub of antiquity — particularly for its ties to the Dionysian Artists’ Guild, which included poets, musicians and actors — is now undergoing an extensive and revitalizing restoration effort. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Could there be an untouched ancient tomb on Türkiye’s Mount Nemrut?

Nestled atop the majestic Mount Nemrut in southeastern Türkiye, a colossal burial mound is believed to house the untouched tomb of King Antiochus I of Commagene. Source: Türkiye Today

Ancient marvel Gobeklitepe welcomes 30,000 visitors during Eid al-Fitr

Gobeklitepe, the 12,000-year-old archaeological wonder known as the “zero point of history” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has once again proven its popularity by attracting 30,000 visitors during the Ramadan holiday. Source: Türkiye Today

The 2200-Year-Old Assembly Building of Stratonikeia, The City of Gladiators, will Return to its Old Days

The 2200-year-old assembly building of the Ancient City of Stratonikeia, known as the “city of gladiators” in the Yatağan district of Muğla and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is being restored to its former glory with meticulous work carried out under the “Legacy for the Future” project. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 4, 2025

Zeugma Mosaic Museum breaks double record

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the largest mosaic museums in the world and home to the renowned "Gypsy Girl" mosaic, is currently experiencing an extraordinary surge in visitors during the ongoing nine-day Eid al-Fitr holiday. So far, it has welcomed a total of 23,654 guests, nearly double its usual attendance, with a peak of 8,060 visitors on the third day alone. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

900-year-old minbar in Kayseri stands strong in its original glory

The historic minbar (pulpit) of Kebir Mosque, also known as Kayseri’s Ulu (Grand) Mosque, has withstood the test of time for nearly 900 years. Built in 1135 by Danishmend ruler Melik Mehmet Ghazi, the wooden pulpit remains remarkably intact despite centuries of earthquakes, harsh weather, and structural challenges. Source: Türkiye Today

Bloodiest uprising in Istanbul: Nika riot of the 6th century

In January 532 A.D., the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) capital of Constantinople was shaken by one of the most violent uprisings in its history—the Nika riot. The turmoil nearly cost Emperor Iustinianus I (527-565) his throne. The rebellion took its name from the Greek word “Nika,” meaning “Victory,” which was the rallying cry of chariot-racing fans at the city’s Hippodrome. Source: Türkiye Today

Canakkale Naval Museum: A journey through maritime history

One of the most distinguished military naval museums in Türkiye, the Canakkale Naval Museum, offers visitors an immersive experience enriched with interactive exhibits, animations, voiceovers, music, and lighting effects. Source: Türkiye Today

Commagene Kingdom’s Monument Defying Time: Sesönk Tumulus

In the mystical geography of Adıyaman, the Sesönk (Dikilitaş) Tumulus rises like a whisper from beyond time. This ancient structure is the 2060-year-old resting place of II. Mithridatis, son of Commagene King I. Antiochos. Bearing traces of luxury and splendor, this tumulus, with its rock-carved chambers and massive stone mound, holds a captivating mystery. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 5, 2025

2900-Year-Old Erzin Stele: A Key to Understanding the Hittite to Greek Mythological Transition

In a significant archaeological discovery, a basalt stele was unearthed in 1987 by O. Günay while plowing his field at the Yurtlak locality, located just a few kilometers west of Erzin in Hatay Province. This remarkable artifact, registered with inventory number 17183 at the Hatay Archaeology Museum, is broken in half but retains its historical and artistic significance, offering valuable insights into ancient mythologies. Source: Arkeonews

Mancılık Church, Once a Local “Central Bank,” Plundered by Treasure Hunters, Awaits Restoration

The Mancılık Church, located in the village of Mancılık in the Kangal district of Sivas, and whose history is unknown, has become a target for treasure hunters. The historical structure, which has been plundered by treasure hunters for years, is awaiting restoration to be brought into tourism. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 6, 2025

Lost tomb of St. Nicholas? Carbon testing in Türkiye may confirm Santa’s burial site

A recently unearthed limestone sarcophagus in the ancient city of Demre, Antalya, Türkiye, may hold the remains of Saint Nicholas of Myra — the fourth-century bishop who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. Source: Türkiye Today

Uncovering secrets of ancient Chalcedon beneath modern Kadikoy

Now one of the liveliest and most modern districts in Istanbul, Kadikoy’s roots stretch far deeper into history than many realize. Originally founded around 675 B.C., the area was first settled by the Phoenicians, who established a thriving trade colony named Harhadon in the Fikirtepe region around 1,000 BCE. Source: Türkiye Today

Commagene king's tomb draws interest in remote Turkish highlands

The ancient tomb of King Mithridates II of the Kingdom of Commagene, located in the Besni district of southeastern Türkiye’s Adıyaman province, continues to draw attention with its remote, rugged setting and unique architectural features. Source: Daily Sabah

April 7, 2025

Anatolian hieroglyphs reveal forgotten writing system of ancient Türkiye

Cuneiform Luwian texts, unearthed in the Hittite capital of Hattusa, were primarily used for state matters and religious rituals—rarely seen or understood by the general population. But the hieroglyphic form was a different story. Source: Türkiye Today

Tourists discover Ottoman-era tombstone in ancient aqueduct

A group of tourists exploring an ancient Roman aqueduct in Bursa’s Iznik (Nicaea), a historic town in northwestern Türkiye, stumbled upon an unexpected relic—a tombstone believed to date back to the Ottoman Empire. Source: Türkiye Today

April 8, 2025

Uzuncaburç set to become a global hub

Nestled in the Mediterranean province of Mersin's Silifke district and with a history stretching back to the fourth century B.C., the Uzuncaburç Archaeological Site is expected to attract more visitors following recent development works. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Ancient animal figurines reveal spiritual secrets of Karaz culture in Türkiye’s Erzurum

An intriguing study has been conducted on 20 terracotta animal figurines from the Karaz culture housed in the Erzurum Archaeology Museum. These artifacts, unearthed during early excavations at Pulur Hoyuk, Guzelova Hoyuk, and Sos Hoyuk, represent fascinating animals, including bulls, rams, sheep, birds, and unidentified species. Source: Türkiye Today

Forgotten mosque in Türkiye’s Kemah Castle rebuilt after eight centuries

A remarkable chapter of Türkiye’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage has been revived in Erzincan’s Kemah district, where the Bey Mosque—estimated to be over 800 years old—has been reconstructed on its original site atop the historic Kemah Castle. Source: Türkiye Today

1st Troya Half Marathon to showcase Çanakkale's rich history

The Troya Half Marathon, named after the famous city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be held on April 20 in Çanakkale, Türkiye. The event, organized by the Municipality of Çanakkale and supported by the governorship of Çanakkale, the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and the Troy Museum, promises to be a historic and exciting occasion for both athletes and tourists. Source: Daily Sabah

April 9, 2025

Controversial road restoration sparks debate at Türkiye’s ancient city Perge

A recent restoration project on the ancient colonnaded street of Perge, one of Türkiye’s most important Roman-era cities, has sparked a heated debate among archaeologists and heritage experts. Source: Türkiye Today

Legacy of Mimar Sinan lives on in 350 timeless masterpieces

Mimar Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, left behind a remarkable legacy that has stood the test of time. Known for his unparalleled craftsmanship, engineering prowess, and architectural vision, Sinan’s works are spread across the vast geographies once ruled by the Ottomans. Source: Türkiye Today

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. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 11, 2025

Historic fountains of Mardin under restoration

The historic fountains on the streets of the eastern province of Mardin, a city that serves as an open-air museum with its rich historical and cultural heritage, are being restored true to their original designs. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Mimar Sinan’s house in Kayseri to become a museum

The house of Mimar Sinan — regarded as one of the greatest architects in history — will be converted into a museum as part of a protocol planned in cooperation with the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Kayseri Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç has announced. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

The Medusa Mosaic in the Ancient City of Kibyra, which was covered during the winter months, was opened to visitors

The historical Kibyra Ancient City in Gölhisar district of Burdur started to welcome its visitors again with the Medusa mosaic, which was taken under protection during the winter months. This unique work, which has a history of about 2000 years, is considered one of the important art examples of the ancient period. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 12, 2025

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.” Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 13, 2025

Türkiye’s ancient theater of Tlos to host performances after 2,000 years

The ancient theater at Tlos, one of the major cities of the Lycian civilization, is preparing to host performances once again as restoration works near completion in Türkiye’s southwestern Mugla province. Source: Türkiye Today

April 14, 2025

Türkiye begins critical earthquake-safety restoration of Hagia Sophia

Türkiye has launched a major new phase in its ongoing restoration of the nearly 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, aiming to protect the historic structure from future earthquakes. The work will focus on reinforcing the main dome and half domes of Hagia Sophia—one of the world’s most iconic architectural wonders—using lightweight modern materials. Source: Türkiye Today

April 15, 2025

Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius’ statue returns to Türkiye after 65 years

After a decadeslong legal, diplomatic and academic struggle, the bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius has officially returned to Türkiye. Once smuggled abroad in the 1960s from the ancient city of Boubon in southwestern Türkiye, the statue was handed over during a ceremony at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States. Source: Türkiye Today

Hattusha’s Timeless Beauty on World Hittite Day

As the calendars marked July 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 walls and spanning an area of 2 square kilometers, offers a unique beauty in every season as it bears the traces of history. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

Ancient road to Carpanak Island resurfaces amid Türkiye’s Lake Van drought

As the water levels of Lake Van continue to recede due to drought and intense evaporation, a hidden archaeological marvel is coming into view—an ancient 1-kilometer stone-paved road that once connected the mainland to Carpanak Island is now nearly 60% exposed. Source: Türkiye Today

April 16, 2025

DNA breakthrough reveals earliest Anatolian gene in Türkiye’s Girmeler Hoyuk

A groundbreaking ancient DNA analysis on skeletons unearthed at the Girmeler Hoyuk settlement in the Seydikemer district of Mugla, southwestern Türkiye, has revealed the presence of what researchers are calling the “early Anatolian gene.” This major discovery is set to reshape the understanding of how farming began in the region. Source: Türkiye Today

Did Hittites exploit their people to build an empire?

Archaeologists have uncovered what may be the world’s largest known ancient grain silo, buried beneath the ancient capital of Hattusa in modern-day Türkiye. Holding remnants of hundreds of tons of carbonized grain, this massive underground storage facility offers rare insight into the economic and political strategies of the Hittite Empire over 3,500 years ago. Source: Türkiye Today

Türkiye’s ancient Patara Lighthouse destroyed by tsunami rebuilt after 500 years

In the heart of Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast, a remarkable chapter of ancient maritime history has been revived. The 2,000-year-old Roman lighthouse in the ancient city of Patara, located in Antalya’s Kas district, has been resurrected 500 years after being destroyed by a tsunami caused by the 1481 Rhodes Earthquake. Source: Türkiye Today

At the Ancient City of Kadyanda, Brutal Pankration Competition Shows were Organised

Surface surveys conducted in the ancient city of Kadyanda, situated at an altitude of 1 kilometer above sea level in the Yeşilüzümlü neighborhood of Fethiye district in Muğla, Türkiye, have revealed that pankration competitions, one of the ruthless sports of the ancient era, were held in this mountain city of Northern Lycia in the 2nd century AD. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 17, 2025

Gobeklitepe exhibition in Rome closes after drawing 6 million visitors

The closing ceremony of the “Gobeklitepe: The Mystery of a Sacred Place” exhibition at Rome’s iconic Colosseum marked the end of a cultural milestone that attracted over 6 million visitors in just six months. Source: Türkiye Today

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. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 19, 2025

Meet Anatolia’s Tziampo: Forgotten bodyguard of Roman emperors

In April 2017, during foundation work on a construction site belonging to ISU General Directorate (Izmit Water and Sewerage Administration) in the district of Izmit, Kocaeli Province, a significant archaeological discovery came to light. The find revealed remnants of ancient material culture in a city once known as Nicomedia — the only city in Anatolia, besides Istanbul, to serve as the capital of the Roman Empire for 46 years. Source: Türkiye Today

Ancient treasures meet modern design at Izmir Archaeology and Ethnography Museum

The historic Alsancak Tobacco Factory in Izmir has been given a new lease of life as the Izmir Kultur Sanat Fabrikasi (Culture and Arts Factory). At the heart of this transformation is the Izmir Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, now captivating visitors with a modern museology approach that breathes life into the city’s 8,500-year-old story. Source: Türkiye Today

Türkiye’s UNESCO Site Becin Fortress opens to visitors after restoration

The historic Becin Fortress, nestled in the Milas district of Mugla and once the capital of the Menteseogullari Principality (Menteshe, first of the Anatolian beyliks), has been revitalised through an ambitious archaeological excavation and restoration campaign. Source: Türkiye Today

Hidden treasure of Karaman: Cesmeli Church in stunning photos

Tucked away in the historic heart of Karaman, Türkiye, the Cesmeli Church—once a spiritual center, later a prison—is now a restored cultural landmark. This photo gallery traces the church’s remarkable journey from its Byzantine roots to its modern role as a venue for art and music in Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today

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. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 21, 2025

Long-lost Osman Hamdi Bey masterpiece to be auctioned in London

A long-lost painting by pioneering Ottoman artist Osman Hamdi Bey, titled Preparing Coffee, is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in London on April 29. The artwork, dated 1881, is expected to sell for between £1 million-£1.5 million ($1.3 million-$1.9 million) in the prestigious auction house’s Orientalist Art sale. Source: Türkiye Today

Hyllarima Ancient City’s 2-Kilometer Walls to be Opened to Tourism

The approximately 2-kilometer-long city walls of the ancient city of Hyllarima, located in the Kavaklıdere district of Muğla and home to significant structures from the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, will be unearthed through meticulous work and will make a significant contribution to cultural tourism. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 22, 2025

8,000-year-old Hevsel Gardens in Türkiye turn wild herbs into culinary delights

Located on the UNESCO World Heritage List and nourished by the Tigris River, Hevsel Gardens are more than just fertile lands—they are the green lungs of Diyarbakir. Beyond cultivated crops, the spring season reveals a hidden treasure: an array of wild herbs like heliz, wild garlic, sirim, gulik, tort, mallow, mustard greens, sorrel, nettle, pennyroyal, kenger, and ciris. Source: Türkiye Today

Ancient words still spoken today discovered in 4,000-year-old tablets in Türkiye

Kultepe Kanesh-Karum, one of the most important archaeological sites in Türkiye and known as “the birthplace of Anatolian history,” has entered its 77th year of continuous excavation. Source: Türkiye Today

Ancient sacred hearths unearthed in Elazig restored to former glory

Two ancient sacred hearths uncovered during archaeological excavations at the Tadim Fortress and Hoyuk in Elazig, eastern Türkiye, have been fully restored, Turkish authorities announced. Source: Türkiye Today

Restoration of Hyllarima’s ancient fortress walls to boost tourism in Mugla

The ancient city of Hyllarima, nestled in the Derebag neighborhood of Kavaklidere in southwestern Türkiye, is set to become a new hotspot for cultural tourism. Authorities are preparing to restore the city’s nearly 2-kilometer-long defensive walls, which date back to the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. Source: Türkiye Today

Shocking Claim at the Historical Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument: Sewage Water Mixed In, Thousands of Visitors at Risk!

A shocking claim has caused great concern in the region surrounding the 800-year-old Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument in Beyşehir district of Konya, a site that dazzles with its history: sewage water has allegedly mixed with the monument’s water source. It is stated that the monument, which hosts thousands of visitors due to the belief that its water is healing, poses a serious health threat with this grave allegation. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 23, 2025

Türkiye’s Iznik prepares for historic Christian mass on 1700th anniversary of First Council

Türkiye’s northwestern district of Iznik, historically known as Nicaea, is preparing for a significant religious event to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea — the foundational Christian gathering convened by Roman Emperor Constantine I in A.D. 325. Source: Türkiye Today

Türkiye marks 105th anniversary of Parliament

Türkiye commemorates the 105th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Parliament, a defining moment in the country’s struggle for independence and the road to the Republic. Source: Türkiye Today

Ancient Mars statue draws global attention at Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Türkiye

A nearly 2,000-year-old bronze statue of Mars, the Roman god of war, is captivating visitors at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, southeastern Türkiye. Discovered during excavations at the ancient city of Zeugma in 1999, the statue remains one of the most iconic pieces in the museum’s renowned collection. Source: Türkiye Today

Türkiye’s Iznik prepares for 1,700th anniversary of 1st Council of Nicaea [https://www.dailysabah.com/life/religion/turkiyes-iznik-prepares-for-170...

The town of Iznik, located in the Bursa province of Türkiye, is preparing for a significant religious event in 2025, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. Source: Daily Sabah

April 24, 2025

How Hagia Sophia withstood latest Istanbul quake while modern buildings suffered damage

As a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Sea of Marmara on April 23, Istanbul was once again reminded of its vulnerability. While hundreds of modern structures sustained damage, one 1,486-year-old monument stood firm — Hagia Sophia. Source: Türkiye Today

Nations unite at Gallipoli to mark 110th Anniversary of Land Battles

The 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Land Battles was commemorated with a solemn ceremony held at the Martyrs’ Memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Canakkale, Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today

April 25, 2025

Ancient City of Tralleis to Open to Visitors in July 2025

The ancient city of Tralleis, considered one of the first settlements of Aydın and having hosted numerous civilizations throughout its history, is preparing to open its doors to visitors in July 2025, with ongoing excavation works and completed projects. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

April 26, 2025

Thousands of smuggled artifacts recovered by Türkiye return home after decades

Thanks to intensive efforts by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a remarkable 13,283 cultural artifacts smuggled abroad over the years have been brought back to Türkiye between 2002 and 2025. Source: Türkiye Today

Fountains of Istanbul: Flowing heritage of beauty and faith

Long before the hustle and bustle of modern Istanbul, the city’s streets were lined with something far more precious than mere architecture. Public fountains, or cesme, once served as the lifeblood of the city, offering both water and a symbol of Ottoman generosity. Source: Türkiye Today

Poseidon’s trident tip emerges from Türkiye’s Lake Iznik

In a remarkable discovery, a fisherman in Iznik (historically known as Nicaea), the world-renowned historic town in Bursa, Türkiye, found what is believed to be the tip of Poseidon’s trident while fishing in Lake Iznik. Source: Türkiye Today

Cremation urns, human bones unearthed near ancient city of Tralleis in Türkiye

A municipal road improvement project in Aydin, western Türkiye, has led to the unexpected discovery of cremation urns containing human bones near the ancient city of Tralleis. Source: Türkiye Today

April 27, 2025

1,100-year-old sealed amphora discovered off coast of Antalya excites archaeologists

An extraordinary discovery has been made in the crystal-clear waters off the Kas district in Antalya, Türkiye. Archaeologists conducting underwater excavations with the help of robotic technology have recovered a 1,100-year-old sealed amphora, igniting excitement in the world of archaeology. Source: Türkiye Today

Stunning discovery in Türkiye’s Stratonikeia unveils 2,000-year-old garlanded sarcophagus

Ongoing excavations at Stratonikeia, an ancient city located in Mugla’s Yatagan district, have unearthed a remarkable 2,000-year-old sarcophagus adorned with intricate garland motifs. Source: Türkiye Today

April 29, 2025

Archaeological surprise: Roman chamber tomb found during roadworks in Türkiye

A Roman-era “chamber tomb” has been uncovered near the Tralleis ancient city in Aydin’s Efeler district during road renovation works initiated by the local municipality. The discovery was made after human bones were unearthed on 25 April, prompting an immediate halt to construction activities. Source: Türkiye Today

‘Alhambra of Anatolia’ welcomes thousands of visitors

Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has welcomed nearly 72,000 visitors since reopening for worship and tours on May 6, 2024, following a restoration process that lasted approximately nine years. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Ancient Hasankeyf Castle to open soon for visitors in Türkiye

The historic Hasankeyf Castle, located in the southeastern province of Batman in Türkiye, is set to open to visitors following the completion of comprehensive restoration and landscaping works. Source: Türkiye Today

April 30, 2025

2025 Excavation Season Begins at Amos Ancient City: A Journey into History Continues

The Amos Ancient City, located in the Marmaris district of Muğla, has officially begun its 2025 excavation season. Supported under the “Heritage for the Future” project by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the archaeological digs enter their fifth year with the goal of uncovering more of the site’s historical richness. Source: Anatolian Archaeology

Selime Cathedral: A Majestic Rock-Cut Structure in the Heart of Cappadocia

Selime Cathedral, located in the Selime village of Güzelyurt district in Aksaray Province, rises magnificently at the end of the stunning Ihlara Valley in the heart of Cappadocia. This impressive structure is considered one of the largest rock-cut cathedrals not only in Cappadocia but also in the world. With its historical depth, architectural features, and religious significance, Selime Cathedral offers visitors a journey through time. Source: Anatolian Archaeology