March 2023 in Turkish archaeology

The ancient city of Sagalassos
The ancient city of Sagalassos

In March 2023, the news concerning archaeological activities in the area of Turkey was dominated, unsurprisingly, by the stories related to the February earthquakes that shook the south-east of the country. However, several important discoveries were also reported, including the new rock paintings from the prehistoric era found on Mount Latmos. Moreover, the Belgian archaeologists digging at the site of the ancient city of Sagalassos unearthed a most unusual burial. The burial was sealed with two dozen bricks and an additional layer of plaster. Topping everything off, around three dozen bent nails were sprinkled around the edges of the tomb, possibly as magic talismans meant to keep the deceased person trapped inside.

Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for March 2023. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!

March 3, 2023

Ministry takes measures to protect artifacts from quakes

The Culture and Tourism Ministry is taking nessecary steps to secure and protect artifacts in the southern province of Hatay’s archaeological museum, including the masterpiece statue of the Hittite King II Suppiluliuma, from quakes and aftershocks that continue days after the deadly Feb. 6 quakes. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

March 7, 2023

Nemrut’s statues stay strong, tumuli ruined

The god statues on Mount Nemrut, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Kahta district stayed strong and did not get damaged during the earthquake. While the historical statues on Mount Nemrut were not damaged, some structures were damaged, and some parts of the mountain completely collapsed. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

March 13, 2023

Exciting discovery in Latmos

New paintings believed to be from the prehistoric era have come to light during the ongoing studies on Mount Latmos (Beşparmak), home to significant rock paintings from ancient times. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

March 14, 2023

“Dead Nails” Used in Roman Grave to Protect the Living from Restless Dead

Belgian archaeologists digging at the site of the ancient Roman city of Sagalassos in southwestern Turkey recently unearthed a most unusual burial. The tomb held the cremated remains of a man who’d lived in the second century AD, and what made this burial so remarkable is that it was sealed with two dozen bricks and an additional layer of plaster. Topping everything off, more than three dozen bent nails were sprinkled around the edges of the tomb as well, presumably as magic talismans meant to keep the deceased person trapped inside. Source: Ancient Origins

March 24, 2023

288 artifacts recovered through 'debris archeology' in quake zone

Teams affiliated with the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums have recovered 288 artifacts from many historical and cultural structures destroyed in the earthquake through excavation studies. The recovered items, including inscriptions, coins, icons, candlesticks, Ottoman coat of arms, and crosses that were saved from Hatay and other provinces have been taken under protection in museums and excavation houses. Source: Daily Sabah

March 29, 2023

Cultural mobilization starts for Hatay

Preparations are underway as Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry is preparing to establish a coordination center, where historical heritage preservation activities will be carried out. The ministry asked universities to send any information, document, research, thesis, picture, etc. about the quake-hit city of Hatay in an attempt to reconstruct the life and cultural texture there again. Source: Hürriyet Daily News