June 2025 saw the reopening of several museums in the area of Türkiye, including the Trabzon Museum, also known as the Kostaki Mansion, and the Manisa Museum. One of the biggest archaeological discoveries announced in June was the find of a major archaeological structure in the ancient city of Gordion thought to belong to a member of the Phrygian royal family. Numerous archaeological sites welcomed visitors after sunset as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's new "night museum" initiative, including famous Ephesus and Topkapı Palace. Finally, Ünye Castle, one of the most significant historical landmarks on the Black Sea is now open to visitors following recently completed restoration works.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for June 2025. Have we missed anything? Please let us know by using Contact tab!
June 1, 2025
Manisa Museum Reopens After 25 Years: A Journey Through 12,000 Years of History
Located in the heart of western Türkiye, the Manisa Museum has reopened its doors to visitors after a 25-year closure. Now housed in a new, modern facility in the Yunusemre district, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Anatolia’s cultural and historical richness — spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the Ottoman Empire. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 2, 2025
Trabzon Museum reopens after eight-year restoration
The Trabzon Museum, also known as the Kostaki Mansion, reopened on May 30 to visitors following nearly eight years of comprehensive restoration and exhibition work. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
June 3, 2025
Ancient figurines returned: Switzerland repatriates 7 Bronze Age artifacts to Türkiye
Seven archaeological artifacts, including rare votive figurines with gilded faces and belts dating back to the Bronze Age, have been officially returned to Türkiye from Switzerland, as part of an ongoing cultural cooperation between the two nations. The handover ceremony took place at the Turkish Embassy in Bern, marking yet another milestone in Türkiye’s efforts to recover looted heritage. Source: Türkiye Today
Rare Ottoman imperial artifacts to be auctioned in Istanbul, June 15
A curated collection of 189 rare Ottoman-era artifacts, many once belonging to sultans and high-ranking palace officials, will be auctioned in İstanbul on June 15. Organised by Arthill Muzecilik, the "Museum-Grade Artifacts Auction" will take place both live and online from the Arthill Event Hall located on the S2 floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Suzer Plaza. Source: Türkiye Today
June 4, 2025
Royal tomb discovered in Gordion may belong to King Midas’ dynasty: Culture Minister
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery of a major archaeological structure in the ancient city of Gordion on Wednesday. Speaking at a press briefing at the site, Ersoy confirmed that a wooden burial chamber thought to belong to a member of the Phrygian royal family has been uncovered. Source: Türkiye Today
Ünye Castle welcomes visitors after restoration
Ünye Castle, one of the most significant historical landmarks on the Black Sea coast that has survived to the present day due to its structure, is now open to visitors following recently completed restoration works. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
June 5, 2025
200 year old illustration of Kaaba uncovered at Topkapi Palace
A 19th-century painting of the Kaaba, the sacred direction of prayer for Muslims, has been uncovered. At the conservation and restoration workshops of the National Palaces Administration, which holds Türkiye’s richest painting collection, work is underway on a rare 200-year-old painting that depicts the Masjid al-Haram in detail. Source: Türkiye Today
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Ephesus in Türkiye now welcomes visitors after sunset as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s new "night museum" initiative. Source: Türkiye Today
Dynamite attack on 3,000-year-old Phrygia heritage in Türkiye sparks outrage
UNESCO-listed Phrygia, a 3,000-year-old cultural treasure in Türkiye’s Afyonkarahisar province, has suffered irreversible damage after treasure hunters blew up parts of the ancient Ornas Rock Complex with dynamite. The targeted area lies between the villages of Catagil and Alanyurt in Iscehisar district and has long been recognized as a sacred Phrygian site for rituals and offerings. Source: Türkiye Today
A rare 3,300-year-old bronze helmet discovered in central Turkey has unveiled remarkable insights into one of the most powerful yet often overlooked civilizations of the ancient world—the Hittite Empire. The helmet, unearthed during excavations in the religious-military hub of Şapinuva, is now displayed at the Çorum Archaeology Museum, capturing the attention of historians and archaeologists worldwide. Source: Arkeonews
June 6, 2025
1,000-year-old sundial unearthed in Ani now on display for visitors
A remarkable sundial dating back approximately 1,000 years has been unearthed in the ancient city of Ani and is now on display for visitors at the Kars Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. Found during archaeological excavations in the city’s large bathhouse area in 2021, the sundial was only recently exhibited as part of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “100+2 Temporary Museum Exhibitions Project.” Source: Türkiye Today
June 7, 2025
Fener Greek Patriarchate plans to convert historic Buyukada orphanage into hotel
The Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate has announced plans to convert the historic but long-abandoned Greek Orphanage on Istanbul’s Büyükada Island into a hotel, citing years of unsuccessful attempts to secure restoration funding. Source: Türkiye Today
June 8, 2025
Ancient Roman mosaic discovered during infrastructure works in Türkiye’s Kahramanmaras
A Roman-era floor mosaic has been unearthed during infrastructure works in the Dulkadiroglu district of Kahramanmaras, Türkiye, as part of the Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Project (TERRP). Source: Türkiye Today
June 9, 2025
Hidirlik Tower Archaeological Project nears end, unveiling Antalya’s ancient treasures
Significant progress has been made in the Hidirlik Tower Archaeological Excavation and Viewing Terrace Project, which is centered around one of Antalya’s most iconic landmarks. The project has brought to light numerous ancient findings and is now entering its final stages. Source: Türkiye Today
June 10, 2025
Oldest church structure uncovered in Türkiye's ancient city
Archaeologists working in Türkiye’s Duzce province may have unearthed the oldest-known church structure in the region, revealing a significant piece of early Christian history in the heart of the ancient city Prusias ad Hypium. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient Roman Bath in Türkiye Unearthed Again After Years of Silence
A long-forgotten Roman-era bath complex has resurfaced in public attention, thanks to a recent cultural tour organized by the Kırşehir City Council. Dubbed the “Ephesus of Central Anatolia,” the ancient site near the village of Büyükteflek in Kırşehir’s Çiçekdağı district continues to reveal its secrets beneath the soil. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 11, 2025
Ancient cemeteries emerge from Lake Iznik before Pope Leo XIV's visit
As underwater excavations continue in Lake Iznik, Bursa, Türkiye, archaeologists are bringing to light one of early Christianity’s forgotten gems. Now the tombs around the basilica are being unearthed. Located just 20 meters from the lake’s shoreline and submerged 1.5 to 2 meters below the surface, the basilica was discovered in 2014 and has been under systematic archaeological study since 2015. Source: Türkiye Today
Carian Princess: The Enigmatic Queen of Bodrum from Thousands of Years Ago
In the heart of modern-day Bodrum, Türkiye, a remarkable archaeological discovery from 1989 continues to intrigue historians and visitors alike. During a routine construction inspection in the Yokuşbaşı neighborhood, a rock-cut burial chamber was uncovered—one that would soon reveal the story of a noble woman from ancient Caria. Though her exact identity remains a mystery, she is today known as the Karyalı Prenses, or “Carian Princess.” Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 12, 2025
Ottoman-Era Hereke Silk and Carpet Factory in Türkiye still thriving after nearly two centuries
In the Korfez district of Kocaeli, Türkiye, the Hereke Silk Weaving and Carpet Factory—founded in 1843 during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid—has been handcrafting luxurious silk fabrics for 182 years. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient Tralleis in Türkiye set to open to visitors in August
The ancient city of Tralleis, located in the Efeler district of Aydin, is expected to open to visitors this August. As restoration and excavation efforts intensify, local and national media representatives recently visited the site to observe the ongoing work. Source: Türkiye Today
June 14, 2025
Excavation season begins at Blaundos Ancient City
The 2025 excavation season has officially begun at Blaundos Ancient City, located in the western province of Uşak's Ulubey district. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Magnesia, located in the Germencik district of Aydın, have uncovered a brand new historical layer that sheds light on the city’s past. For the first time, evidence spanning from the Late Roman period to the Christian era and the pre-Beyliks period has been identified. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 15, 2025
Ancient Roman Stadium of Bithynia in Bolu to Become Türkiye’s New Archaeological Highlight
The recently excavated ancient Roman stadium in the historic region of Bithynia, located near Bolu in northwestern Türkiye, is poised to open as a major archaeological attraction by the end of 2025. Discovered in 2008, this rare example of Roman sports architecture is the first stadium uncovered in Bithynia, a region rich in classical heritage but often overlooked on the global tourism map. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 16, 2025
Ancient Roman pool sees first excavation in 79 years: Tyana's hydraulic legacy unearthed
Excavations have resumed at the ancient Roman Pool in Bahceli, near the ancient city located in Nigde's Bor district, nearly eight decades after the first archaeological investigation. Source: Türkiye Today
Over 100 Turkish-period arrowheads unearthed in Türkiye's ancient city of Becin
Archaeologists working at the ancient city of Becin in Milas, located in Türkiye's Mugla province, have uncovered more than 100 Turkish-period arrowheads during ongoing excavations. Source: Türkiye Today
The Mystery of Two Circular Structures Discovered in Hadrianopolis Ancient City is Being Uncovered
Ongoing excavations in the Hadrianopolis Ancient City, located in Eskipazar district of Karabük, Türkiye, have revealed two circular-plan structures identified through ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Their functions are now being investigated as part of a broader archaeological effort. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 17, 2025
1,600-year-old Mor Kiryakus Monastery reopens to visitors in Türkiye's Batman
The ancient Mor Kiryakus Monastery, built 1,600 years ago by Syriac Christians in present-day Batman, Türkiye, has officially reopened to visitors following a comprehensive restoration. Located in Ayranci village at the foot of Kira Mountain, the 2,500-square-meter two-story complex had been under preservation work for years. Source: Türkiye Today
What do 4,000-year-old ritual pits in Türkiye reveal about Bronze Age beliefs?
In the coastal region of western Türkiye, near modern-day Izmir, archaeologists have uncovered an extraordinary set of ritual pits at the ancient site of Liman Tepe, shedding new light on Bronze Age ceremonial life. Source: Türkiye Today
Excavations Start in the Ancient City of Lystra, Mentioned in the Bible
Archaeological excavations have resumed in 2025 at the ancient city of Lystra, located in Konya’s Meram district — a site of great historical and religious significance, particularly within Christian tradition. Known as one of the rare cities mentioned in the Bible, Lystra is attracting growing international interest. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 18, 2025
Türkiye's Olympos opens ancient Roman rock tombs to visitors for first time
Roman-era rock tombs unearthed in the ancient city of Olympos, located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, Türkiye, have been opened to the public for the first time. These tombs, long shrouded by dense vegetation, are now part of the visitor walking route through the historic Lycian city, one of the most significant settlements of the ancient Lycian civilization. Source: Türkiye Today
Ancient Anatolian textiles reveal earliest indigo-dyed yarn, nalbinding technique
Two charred textile fragments unearthed at Beycesultan, a prominent archaeological site in western Türkiye, have revealed the earliest known use of indigo dye and a sophisticated yarn-looping technique called nålbinding in the region. Source: Türkiye Today
Hagia Sophia faces restoration push amid Istanbul’s earthquake risk
As concerns mount over Istanbul’s vulnerability to major earthquakes, Türkiye has launched its most ambitious restoration effort in decades to safeguard Hagia Sophia, the city’s most iconic structure. Source: Türkiye Today
June 19, 2025
Stars to dance at Ancient Ephesus Theater
The eighth International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, organized by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet, will bring globally acclaimed stars to the stage of the historic Ephesus Ancient Theater between June 27 and July 13. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Ancient mosaics uncovered in Türkiye’s Olympos shed new light on early Christian history
Archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Olympos, located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, Türkiye, have uncovered new mosaics and inscriptions at the entrance and floor of a fifth-century church. Source: Türkiye Today
Medieval glazed ceramics unearthed in Ani go on display in Kars Museum
Glazed ceramics recently discovered during archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Ani in eastern Türkiye have gone on public display for the first time at the Kars Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. The exhibition showcases a collection of uniquely decorated ceramic fragments featuring botanical motifs, geometric patterns, and human figures. Source: Türkiye Today
June 20, 2025
Excavations Begin at Kedrai Ancient City: Sedir Island’s Hidden History Resurfaces
The 2025 archaeological excavation season at Kedrai Ancient City, located on Sedir Island in Muğla’s Marmaris district, will officially begin on June 23. This year’s work will focus on deepening research around the grand basilica and ancient theater. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 21, 2025
2,400-Year-Old Shops to Be Unearthed in Hyllarima, One of Anatolia’s Best-Preserved Ancient Cities
Ongoing archaeological excavations in Hyllarima Ancient City, located in the Kavaklıdere district of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, continue to shed light on the region’s rich past. Known as one of the rare ancient settlements in Anatolia that has remained remarkably well-preserved, Hyllarima is now revealing new secrets—2,400-year-old shop structures located in the heart of the ancient agora are set to be unearthed. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 22, 2025
Ephesus Ancient City Now Open at Night: A Magical Journey Through Time Under the Stars
Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is now offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore its ancient streets under the night sky. As part of a new initiative by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the historical site is illuminated with special lighting, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere after sunset. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 23, 2025
Seasonal women workers unearth history at 12,000-year-old site in southeastern Türkiye
In the heart of southeastern Türkiye’s Diyarbakir province, 32 women who once worked as seasonal agricultural laborers are now contributing to one of the world’s most significant archaeological projects. The excavation site at Cayonu Tepesi in Ergani, which dates back 12,000 years, is revealing clues about the region’s transformation from a society of hunters and gatherers to one of settled farmers. Source: Türkiye Today
Underwater excavations resume at Hellenistic shipwreck in Marmaris' Serce Harbor
Underwater archaeological excavations have resumed at the Serce Harbor shipwreck, an ancient maritime shelter off the coast of Marmaris in Türkiye’s southwestern Mugla province. Source: Türkiye Today
Rare artifacts linked to Rumi undergo restoration in Türkiye
Acollection of 19 rare textile artifacts believed to have belonged to the 13th-century Sufi mystic Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi is undergoing meticulous restoration at the Mevlana Museum in Konya, central Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today
Topkapi Palace opens its gates to nighttime visitors through summer
Topkapi Palace, one of Istanbul’s most iconic historic sites, will continue welcoming visitors on Saturday nights throughout the summer, offering a rare opportunity to experience its illuminated courtyards, pavilions, and imperial collections after dark. The initiative, overseen by the Directorate of National Palaces, follows strong public demand and marks only the second time the palace has been open at night since it was converted into a museum in 1924. Source: Türkiye Today
Efeler Way connects mountain villages, Zeybek heritage across Western Türkiye
Türkiye’s newly designated long-distance hiking trail, the Efeler Way (Efeler Yolu), is opening up fresh terrain for nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and slow travelers seeking a deeper connection with the Aegean heartland in Izmir. Stretching nearly 500 kilometers (over 310 miles) through remote villages, highland plateaus, and rugged mountain passes, this trail offers more than scenic views—it brings to life the storied Efe and Zeybek traditions of Western Anatolia. Source: Türkiye Today
City of Aphrodite to offer new experiences to visitors
Aphrodisias, an ancient city in the western province of Aydın dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, is being restored to provide visitors with new experiences, including night-time museum visits, a redesigned welcome center and enhanced landscaping. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Tralleis Ancient City to Open to Visitors: A 23-Year Dream Comes True
One of Turkey’s hidden archaeological gems, Tralleis Ancient City in Aydın, is set to welcome visitors starting August 2025. This milestone marks the fulfillment of a 23-year dream for excavation director Prof. Dr. Murat Çekilmez, who has dedicated his entire academic career to this historic site. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 24, 2025
Ancient library emerges in Türkiye's Stratonikeia, revealing architectural grandeur
Archaeologists in southwestern Türkiye are uncovering the architectural structure of an ancient library in Stratonikeia, a well-preserved marble city in Mugla’s Yatagan district. Source: Türkiye Today
June 25, 2025
Vast marble agora discovered in Türkiye’s ancient city of Magnesia
Archaeologists have uncovered a vast and remarkably preserved marble-paved square in the ancient city of Magnesia, located in Aydin’s Germencik district in western Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today
June 26, 2025
Fifteen lost churches unearthed in Türkiye’s Karadag region
Arecent archaeological survey in the volcanic highlands of Karadag, located north of Karaman in south-central Türkiye, has uncovered 15 previously undocumented religious structures in the ancient region known as “Binbir Kilise,” or “One Thousand and One Churches.” The discovery was made under the direction of Associate Professor Ilker Mete Mimiroglu from Necmettin Erbakan University's Department of Early Christian and Byzantine Arts. Source: Türkiye Today
Archaeologists discover nearly 5,000-year-old food prep zone in southern Türkiye
Archaeologists working at Yumuktepe Hoyuk in Mersin, Türkiye, have unearthed nearly 5,000-years-old food preparation and cooking area dating back to the Early Bronze Age, featuring a horseshoe-shaped hearth, a silo, and a fragment of a traditional clay oven. Source: Türkiye Today
June 27, 2025
Archaeology, DNA reveal how early farmers transformed Anatolia without mass migration
A new study combining archaeology and ancient DNA has revealed that the rise of farming in Anatolia—the region that is now modern-day Türkiye—was driven not only by migrating populations but also by local communities adopting new ways of life through cultural exchange. Source: Türkiye Today
Located in central Anatolia, the ancient settlement of Çatalhöyük continues to provide valuable insights into early human civilization. Recent interdisciplinary research has revealed that women held a significant role in shaping social structures nearly 9 millennia ago. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
June 28, 2025
Ancient Hadrianopolis introduces AI-powered QR tour in Türkiye
The ancient city of Hadrianopolis in Karabuk’s Eskipazar district has embraced digital innovation with the launch of an AI-powered QR code system. The new technology allows visitors to explore the Roman-era site independently, offering real-time answers to their questions in Turkish, English and French. Source: Türkiye Today
Türkiye's Culture Minister explores 2,000-year-old underwater cargo ship off Antalya
Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, recently dove off the coast of Adrasan, a coastal town in Antalya's Kumluca district, to examine a rare underwater archaeological find known as the Seramik Batigi, or Ceramic Shipwreck. Lying at depths between 33 and 46 meters, the site dates back to the Late Hellenistic–Early Roman period. Source: Türkiye Today
June 30, 2025
Digs restart at Saint Constantine and Helena Monastery
The third phase of archaeological excavations has recently begun at Saint Constantine and Helena Monastery in the northern province of Ordu’s Fatsa district, where an in-situ floor mosaic from the Byzantine period was uncovered during earlier works. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Replica of Türkiye’s first aircraft successfully completes test flights
The replica of Türkiye’s first certified aircraft, the Vecihi XIV — originally designed and manufactured in 1930 by legendary aviator Vehici Hürkuş — has successfully completed its test flights. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Ancient Phrygian tomb illegally converted into cafe in Türkiye’s Afyonkarahisar
A 3,000-year-old rock-cut tomb in Türkiye’s Afyonkarahisar province, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, has been illegally transformed into a cafe-restaurant. Source: Türkiye Today
Dardanos’ 2,500-year-old tumulus under renewed scientific investigation in Türkiye
A monumental burial mound dating back 2,500 years, known as the Dardanos Tumulus, is once again under close scientific scrutiny in Türkiye’s northwestern province of Canakkale. Source: Türkiye Today
Türkiye returns 6 Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets to Iraq in heritage repatriation
In a formal handover ceremony held at Ankara’s Republic Museum, Türkiye returned six ancient cuneiform tablets to Iraq, underscoring its dedication to the protection of cultural heritage and international cooperation against antiquities trafficking. Source: Türkiye Today
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