December 2024 was the month of several significant archaeological discoveries made in the area of Turkey. Ongoing excavations at the Prusias ad Hypium in the Konuralp region unearthed three significant Roman-era artefacts. A cylindrical seal made of jade stone dating back to 4,400 years ago was found in Kütahya's Seyitömer Höyük. Moreover, in Bozcaada island, a castle bath dating back 366 years to the reign of Sultan Mehmed IV was uncovered. Finally, a 2,700-year-old wall built by the Lydians to protect the ancient city of Daskyleion from attacks was found at the shores of Lake Manyas in Bandirma in Balikesir Province.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for December 2024. Have we missed anything? Please let us know by using Contact tab!
December 1, 2024
3 new findings at Turkish ancient city shine light on Roman history
Excavations at the ancient city of Prusias Ad Hypium in the Konuralp region of Düzce in northwestern Türkiye have uncovered three Roman-era artifacts, continuing the long-term efforts to unearth the region's historical treasures. Source: Daily Sabah
December 2, 2024
Roman theater ticket, Aphrodite figurine, Thyrsus unearthed in Türkiye’s Duzce
Ongoing excavations at the Prusias ad Hypium ancient city in the Konuralp region of Duzce have unearthed three significant Roman-era artifacts. These findings add to the extensive historical inventory of the site, which dates back to the third century BCE. Source: Türkiye Today
How Türkiye’s Asclepieion bridges ancient, modern medicine
The Asclepieion archaeological site in Bergama, Izmir, one of Ancient Greece’s renowned healing centers, continues to serve health-related purposes by hosting various organizations and events today. Source: Türkiye Today
December 3, 2024
‘City of Gladiators,’ Türkiye’s Stratonikeia reveals ancient genetic secrets
Stratonikeia, an ancient city located in the Yatagan district of Mugla, renowned as the “City of Gladiators,” is not only home to some of the largest marble ruins in the world but is also a significant archaeological site where cutting-edge archaeogenetic research is being conducted. Source: Türkiye Today
Mary and Jesus fresco in İznik restored
A fresco of Mary holding Jesus in her arms, which was unearthed during excavations at the approximately 2,000-year-old Roman theater in the northwestern province of Bursa’s İznik district and believed to be one of the oldest surviving examples, has been brought to light through restoration works. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 4, 2024
Catalhoyuk reveals secrets of 9,000-year-old civilization
Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Catalhoyuk, located in Konya’s Cumra district, are stepping back 9,000 years into history through an immersive digital experience. Source: Türkiye Today
Hagia Sophia’s facade to be freed from non-original plaster in bold restoration move
Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old iconic masterpiece in Istanbul, continues to undergo one of the most comprehensive restorations of the Republic era. The first phase of this ambitious project, initiated by the Directorate General of Foundations under Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has been successfully completed. Key historical structures, including the tombs, the primary school (sibyan mektebi), and the timekeeper’s room (muvakkithane), have been meticulously restored to their original condition. Source: Türkiye Today
Tas Tepeler leads way in Türkiye’s archaeological tourism boom
Gokhan Yazgi, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, has announced plans to establish a new Neolithic-era destination route in Sanliurfa, encompassing renowned sites such as Gobeklitepe and Karahantepe. Source: Türkiye Today
December 6, 2024
4,400-Year-Old Jade Cylinder Seal Found in Western Türkiye
A cylindrical seal made of jade stone dating back to 4,400 years ago was found in Kütahya Seyitömer Höyük (Seyitömer Mound), an Early Bronze Age – Middle Bronze Age settlement located in the western Anatolia region of Türkiye. Source: Arkeonews
Bronze Age tools unearthed in Türkiye’s Tavsanli reveal ancient craftsmanship
Archaeological excavations at Tavsanli Hoyuk (Mound), located in Türkiye’s Kutahya province, have unearthed a bronze awl with a bone handle and a pair of tweezers, both dating back 3,200 years. Source: Türkiye Today
Could sarcophagus in Türkiye’s Antalya hold remains of St. Nicholas known as Santa Claus?
Archaeologists have unearthed a sarcophagus during ongoing excavation work at the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Antalya, shedding light on the ancient past of the historical site. Source: Türkiye Today
Medusa Mosaic covered as winter arrives
The Medusa and Odeion stoa floor mosaics in the ancient city of Kibyra in the southern province of Burdur, which had been left exposed during the summer, have now been covered to safeguard them from the harsh weather conditions, excavation head Professor Şükrü Özüdoğru has announced. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 7, 2024
Historic library preserves country’s rare, notable books
A 195-year-old library in the western city of İzmir offers avid readers a chance to delve into some of Türkiye’s most intriguing and treasured manuscripts and printed works, building an unbreakable bridge between the past and present. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 9, 2024
Ancient fortress wall found in Türkiye’s Daskyleion protecting against invaders
A 2,700-year-old wall built by the Lydians to protect the ancient city of Daskyleion from attacks has been uncovered at the shores of Lake Manyas in Bandirma, Balikesir Province. Source: Türkiye Today
December 10, 2024
Roman and Byzantine-era tombs to turn into Necropark
Ongoing archaeological excavations at Hisardere in the northwestern province of Bursa, which served as a necropolis from the 2nd to the late 5th century during the Roman and Early Byzantine periods, are revealing significant finds. The site is set to be transformed into a necropark, where casts of the ornate and decorative sarcophagi uncovered in the area will be displayed. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Dome of Hagia Sophia to be dismantled for restoration
The iconic dome of the Hagia Sophia Mosque will be dismantled as part of an extensive restoration project aimed at preserving the historical and structural integrity of the world-renowned monument. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Located just 13 kilometers (8.0 miles) from the town of Cinar in Diyarbakir, Zerzevan Castle is a historical site that served as a “military settlement” during the Roman Empire. Source: Türkiye Today
December 11, 2024
Renovated Atlı Köşk welcomes art enthusiasts
Following an extensive nine-month restoration, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum’s Atlı Köşk reopened to visitors on Dec. 7. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 12, 2024
Turkish-Islamic era bath discovered in ancient site
Excavations at the ancient city of Amorium in Afyonkarahisar's Emirdağ district have uncovered a stunning Turkish-Islamic era bath, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Koprulu Mehmed Pasha’s 17th century legacy revealed in Türkiye’s Bozcaada
A remarkable archaeological find has emerged from Bozcaada, a scenic island in Canakkale, Türkiye, where a “castle bath” dating back 366 years to the reign of Sultan Mehmed IV has been uncovered. Source: Türkiye Today
December 13, 2024
Türkiye's first thematic cheese museum opens in Kars
Nestled in the historic Süvari Bastion of Kars, Türkiye's first thematic Cheese Museum takes visitors on a journey through the cheese-making process, with a spotlight on gruyere, while also offering a glimpse into the highland lifestyle. Source: Türkiye Today
Safranbolu’s timeless charm marks 30 years on UNESCO World Heritage List
Safranbolu, a historic district in northern Karabuk province, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The district, recognized for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and cultural heritage, has become a major attraction for both local and international tourists. Source: Türkiye Today
December 15, 2024
Excavations at the Harran archaeological site in Şanlıurfa, one of the world’s oldest settlements and listed on UNESCO’s Temporary World Heritage List, unearthed four Iron Age dog burials. Source: Arkeonews
December 16, 2024
Hidden treasures uncovered in Türkiye’s Knidos’ 2,600-year-old church restoration
The ancient city of Knidos in Türkiye’s Datca district is witnessing the revival of its 2,600-year-old main church as fallen columns and seating areas are being restored, turning it into a new tourist attraction. Source: Türkiye Today
December 17, 2024
Ancient rock-cut tombs unearthed during construction in Türkiye
During the excavation of a building foundation in Arsuz, Hatay, workers stumbled upon ancient rock-cut tomb chambers. The find has sparked great interest among locals and archaeologists alike. Source: Türkiye Today
December 18, 2024
2-Meter-Long Stone Block Found at 12,000-Year-Old Boncuklu Tarla Site in Southeastern Türkiye
A remarkable 2-meter by 20-centimeter processed stone block was discovered during the archaeological excavations at Boncuklu Tarla (Beaded Field), which illuminates the history of humanity with its 12,000-year past in the Ilısu neighborhood of the Dargeçit district of Mardin. Source: Arkeonews
December 19, 2024
A total of 1,055 coins, minted by the Lydians between the seventh and fifth centuries B.C., have been rescued from smugglers in Greece. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 20, 2024
Alexander the Great Cultural Route to boost Çanakkale tourism [https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/alexander-the-great-cultural-route-to-...
Works have been initiated in the northwestern province of Çanakkale by the provincial directorate of culture and tourism to establish the approximately 2,400-year-old Alexander the Great Cultural Route and to develop the Granicus Historical Battlefield with an environmental planning project, aiming to improve tourism. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Aphrodite’s lost statues revealed in Türkiye’s Pompeiopolis
Excavation work at the ancient theatre of Pompeiopolis, an ancient Roman city founded as the Paflagonia provincial capital in 64 B.C., has led to an exciting discovery. During ongoing excavation activities in the theatre area, two fragments of statues depicting Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, were found. Source: Türkiye Today
December 21, 2024
Artifacts in Fethiye Castle offer glimpse into life 2,600 years ago
The artifacts unearthed during excavations at Fethiye Castle in the western province of Muğla, including a statue head, jewelry, arrowheads, ceramic vessels, coins, and skeletons, have been analyzed in a laboratory, dating the castle's history back 2,600 years. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Greece returns stolen ancient coin hoard to Türkiye
Greece on Dec. 19 returned a hoard of over 1,000 stolen ancient coins to Türkiye in the first repatriation of its kind between the historic rivals and neighbors. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 23, 2024
Historic fountain in Çanakkale bears marks of Ottoman naval legacy
A historic fountain and its accompanying pools which once supplied water to the Ottoman fleet, nestled in the village of Kilitbahir in the western province of Çanakkale, stand as silent witnesses to the Ottoman Empire’s naval legacy. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Ancient stained glass unearthed at Türkiye’s Harran Cathedral excavation
Excavations at the historic Harran archaeological site, listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, have revealed mosaic tiles and stained glass fragments believed to be the oldest in the region. These colorful artifacts adorned the grand cathedral—a key feature of one of the world’s oldest settlements. Source: Türkiye Today
Laodicea’s ancient theaters served distinct audiences, new findings reveal
Laodicea, an ancient city in southwestern Türkiye, has long been known for its remarkable historical heritage, including its ancient theaters. New findings, based on inscriptions discovered in the area, have shed light on the distinct functions of the city’s two major theaters: the Western Theater and the Northern Theater. Source: Türkiye Today
December 24, 2024
Ancient sacred site discovered in Kastabala, key discovery in Türkiye’s Osmaniye
In ongoing archaeological excavations at the Kastabala Ancient City in Osmaniye, a significant cult area, including a statue base and two cisterns, has been uncovered. Source: Türkiye Today
2,100-year-old bird-shaped soldier whistle found at Türkiye’s Oluz Hoyuk excavation
A 2,100-year-old soldier’s whistle, shaped like a bird and made from fired clay, has been uncovered at the Oluz Hoyuk excavation in Amasya. Source: Türkiye Today
December 25, 2024
1500-year-old priest statue allegedly given as wedding gift in Türkiye
A sixth-century priest statue stolen seven years ago from a museum garden in Isparta’s Yalvac district has been recovered in Ankara. Source: Türkiye Today
December 26, 2024
Restoration to revive Roman bath complex in Ephesus
In İzmir’s Ephesus Ancient City, a monumental Roman-era bath complex spanning nearly 70 acres, complete with a gymnasium and sports area, is being restored to its former glory. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 27, 2024
Excavation works continue at full speed at historic Harput Castle
Excavations and restoration work at Harput Castle, located in the eastern province of Elazığ, have gained momentum with the inclusion of the site in the Culture and Tourism Ministry’s “Legacy for the Future” project, ensuring year-round archaeological excavations at the historic castle. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Ancient stadium to rise as thriving archaeopark in Bolu
Significant efforts are underway to transform an ancient stadium dating back to the Roman period into an archaeological park in the northwestern province of Bolu in a bid to render the site a major tourism attraction. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
2,400-year-old Battlefield of Alexander the Great’s First Persian Victory found in Türkiye
After 20 years of research, archaeologists in Türkiye have pinpointed the exact location of the legendary Battle of Granicus, where Alexander the Great won his first significant battle in his pursuit of Asia Minor. Source: Arkeonews
December 28, 2024
Smyrna theater set to shine once more after 1,500 years
Laying at the foot of the historic Kadifekale in the Konak district, one of the most dynamic areas of the province, the Smyrna Theater was built in the third century B.C. However, masses of soil engulfed the historical asset in time, approximately some 1,500 years ago. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
December 30, 2024
Zeugma’s House of Muses to open for visitors in 2025
Archaeological efforts in Zeugma, one of the world’s most significant ancient cities located in the southern province of Gaziantep's Nizip district, are progressing at full speed. Among the city’s remarkable sites is the House of Muses, situated in the Eastern Residential Sector, renowned for its intricate mosaic decorations. The landmark is set to open its doors to visitors in 2025, following years of dedicated restoration and conservation work. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
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