May 2025 brought some excellent news from the area of Türkiye. First of all, the ancient bilingual inscriptions of Karatepe-Aslantaş Open-Air Museum in Osmaniye were officially inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register. Secondly, in a groundbreaking discovery, an archaeological team unearthed significant evidence of early settled life at Çakmaktepe, located in the Şanlıurfa province. Finally, the Directorate of National Palaces in Türkiye completed restoration works on two historic rooms within the Harem section of Topkapı Palace.
Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for May 2025. Have we missed anything? Please let us know by using Contact tab!
May 1, 2025
1,800-year-old Hercules relief watches over quarry workers in Türkiye’s ancient Nicaea
Located in the ancient stone quarry known as Deliklikaya near the Iznik—historically known as Nicaea—in Bursa province, a 1,800-year-old relief of Hercules carved into natural rock stands as a powerful symbol of the importance given to workers during Roman times. Source: Türkiye Today
The Green Stone of Hattusa: An Ancient Enigma in the Heart of the Hittite Capital
In the archaeological heartland of Hattusa—the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire—stands a unique object that has defied clear interpretation for decades. Known simply as the Green Stone, this smooth, cube-shaped block is positioned inside the city’s Great Temple, a sacred site dating back to the second millennium BCE. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
Ephesus Museum: A Journey from Mycenaean Civilizations to the Ottoman Era in 4,000 Artifacts
Located in the historical town of Selçuk in Türkiye’s İzmir province, the Ephesus Museum offers an extraordinary journey through time with its vast collection of approximately 4,000 artifacts. Stretching from the Mycenaean period (1600–1100 BCE) to the Ottoman era, the museum is a cultural bridge between ancient civilizations and modern-day visitors. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
3,000-Year-Old Fish Lake in Ancient Erzen City Set to Open for Tourism in Batman, Türkiye
In Türkiye’s southeastern Batman province, the historically rich Fish Lake located in the ancient city of Erzen is set to welcome visitors as part of a new eco-cultural tourism initiative. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 2, 2025
Ancient water cistern discovered at UNESCO site
An ancient water cistern, originally built to meet the water needs of the area, has been unearthed in the northern province of Karabük's Safranbolu district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Festival to promote the Antandros
A festival will be held from May 16-18 to promote the ancient city of Antandros, where excavation works have been ongoing since 2001, in the western province of Balıkesir's Edremit district. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Gevale Castle on Takkeli Mountain to Open a 5,000-Year-Old Historical Window in Konya
Located at the summit of Takkeli Mountain in Konya’s central Selçuklu district, Gevale Castle, a site that bears the traces of multiple civilizations including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Karamanid, and Ottoman empires, is undergoing extensive restoration work. Once completed, the site will offer visitors the chance to explore 5,000 years of Anatolian history while enjoying a panoramic view of the city from an elevation of 1,700 meters. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 5, 2025
In the central district of Efeler in Aydın, one of Türkiye’s significant archaeological sites dating back to antiquity, the 2025 excavation season has officially begun at the ancient city of Tralleis. First initiated in 1996, the excavations are now entering their 29th year. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 7, 2025
Hidden Roman-era cistern, mosaic discovered in Southern Türkiye's Syedra
In the ancient city of Syedra, located near Antalya’s Alanya district in southern Türkiye, archaeologists have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved mosaic dating back to the fifth century A.D. Source: Türkiye Today
Illegal Excavation Uncovers 2,000-Year-Old Roman Mosaic in Zile
In Zile, a district in Türkiye, four individuals conducting an illegal excavation uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic. The operation carried out by gendarmerie forces led to the recovery of the historical artifact and the arrest of those involved in the excavation. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 8, 2025
Karatepe Aslantas inscriptions enter UNESCO Memory of World Register
The ancient bilingual inscriptions of Karatepe Aslantas Open-Air Museum in Osmaniye, Türkiye, have been officially inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register. Source: Türkiye Today
Calligraphies at mosque now accessible in digital format
Visitors to Bursa’s Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), one of the most important religious landmarks in the Turkish-Islamic world and a symbol of early Ottoman art, can now learn about its famous calligraphy works through QR codes displayed inside the mosque. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Illegal dig in Türkiye uncovers 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic featuring ‘Tryphe’
An unauthorized excavation in Türkiye's Tokat province has led to the discovery of a 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic depicting the personification of luxury, Tryphe. Disturbingly, one of the suspects, identified as M.S., allegedly live-streamed the illegal dig and shared videos on social media, sparking outrage among heritage professionals. Source: Türkiye Today
Charles Texier’s lost drawings reveal secrets of Isa Bey Mosque in Türkiye
French architect, archaeologist and explorer Charles Texier, known for his extensive travels across Asia Minor, offers a unique visual and scholarly perspective on one of the most iconic Islamic monuments in western Türkiye: the Seljuk-era Isa Bey Mosque in Selcuk, Izmir. His previously unpublished set of 27 detailed drawings, now preserved in the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) archives at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, sheds new light on the structure’s forgotten features and architectural legacy. Source: Türkiye Today
Troy treasures on display in Beyoğlu
A new photo exhibition, titled “Troy Treasures: Please Come Back,” which explores the stories behind the famed “Troy Treasures” and around 30 groups of artifacts made from precious metals and stones, has opened at the Terra Santa Monastery in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
May 10, 2025
New discoveries at Cakmaktepe reveal insights into Pre-Pottery Neolithic life
In a groundbreaking discovery, an archaeological excavation team, led by Associate Professor Fatma Sahin, have unearthed significant evidence of early settled life at Cakmaktepe, located in the Sanliurfa province of southeastern Türkiye. Part of the larger Tas Tepeler (Stone Mounds) Project, this site sheds light on the transition of hunter-gatherer communities to settled life, offering a window into the dawn of the Neolithic age. Source: Türkiye Today
Boyabat Castle: 2,700 Years of Paphlagonian Legacy
Located at the northernmost edge of Türkiye, Sinop is a city not only known for its natural beauty but also for its deep-rooted historical heritage. One of the most striking remnants of this heritage is Boyabat Castle, an ancient stronghold built around 2,700 years ago by the Paphlagonians. Perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the Gökırmak Valley, the castle is a testament to the strategic genius of ancient Anatolian civilizations. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 12, 2025
Archaeological treasure in Düzce being uncovered
The archaeological treasure in the ancient city of Prusias Ad Hypium, located in the Konuralp region of Düzce and referred to as "The Ephesus of the Western Black Sea," is being uncovered. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Türkiye's Lagina Hecate Sanctuary excavations unveil city gate and shops
Excavations at the Lagina Hecate Sanctuary in Türkiye's Mugla province have revealed the city’s ancient gate and a series of shops, providing new insights into the region’s religious and commercial history. Source: Türkiye Today
May 13, 2025
Türkiye's Prusias ad Hypium reveals Apollo, Medusa and secrets of Roman entertainment
Located in the Konuralp district of Duzce, approximately two hours from both cities, the ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium stands out with its Hellenistic and Roman-era artifacts. Source: Türkiye Today
'Ani’s Story' exhibition opens in Kars, highlighting ancient cultural heritage
An extraordinary exhibition titled "Ani's Story" has opened at the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, featuring 244 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, with 196 being unveiled to the public for the first time. Source: Türkiye Today
May 14, 2025
Curious siblings in Canakkale find ancient ring seal, hand it over to Troy Museum
Two siblings from the village of Demirci in the Ayvacik district of Canakkale have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing a ring seal believed to date back to the Eastern Roman Empire, or known as the Byzantine period. The artifact has been handed over to the Troy Museum for further examination. Source: Türkiye Today
Delikkemer Aqueduct: An Ancient Engineering Marvel Leading to Patara
Located in the Kaş district of Antalya, Türkiye, the Delikkemer Aqueduct invites visitors on a breathtaking journey through history. Built during the Hellenistic period and extensively used throughout the Roman Empire, this remarkable 22-kilometer waterway once supplied the ancient city of Patara with fresh water. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 15, 2025
Ancient Monastery of Mor Augin reveals hidden legacy on cliffs of Mardin
Hidden among the cliffs of Mount Bagok in Türkiye’s Mardin Province, the Monastery of Mor Augin is one of the oldest and most mystic Christian monastic sites in the region. Dating back to before 363 A.D., this sacred complex not only reflects the architectural legacy of the Roman and Persian periods but also carries deep spiritual and historical significance. Source: Türkiye Today
'Daily Life in Sanliurfa' exhibition opens at Sanliurfa Museum
A new cultural exhibition titled "Daily Life in Sanliurfa" has opened at the Sanliurfa Museum under the coordination of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums of the Republic of Türkiye. The exhibition presents 202 unique artifacts from Sanliurfa’s recent history, including traditional clothing, kitchenware, copper utensils, and accessories. Source: Türkiye Today
Hagia Sophia undergoes major restoration to protect 1,486-year-old landmark
A sweeping restoration effort has begun at Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most celebrated religious and architectural landmarks. The centuries-old structure, now a mosque and a UNESCO-listed heritage site, is undergoing its most extensive preservation works in years to protect it from the growing threat of earthquakes and reveal long-hidden historical details. Source: Türkiye Today
6th-Century “Türk-Kağan” Coin Could Be the Oldest Record of the Word “Türk”
An extraordinary archaeological find may rewrite the early history of the Turkic people. In Uzbekistan, researchers have uncovered a 6th-century bronze coin bearing the inscription “Türk-Kağan” — a discovery that could represent the earliest known written record of the word “Türk” in history. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 16, 2025
Unearthing Labraunda: The Sacred Mountain Sanctuary of Ancient Caria Revealed
Ongoing archaeological and restoration efforts at the ancient city of Labraunda, located in the Milas district of Muğla, Türkiye, are breathing new life into one of Caria’s most sacred religious centers. Supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Heritage for the Future initiative, the project focuses on uncovering monumental terrace walls, ceremonial gates, and a series of seven sacred chambers near the main entrance. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
Türkiye restores historic caravanserai as cultural hub in Bitlis
Bitlis Eren University (BEÜ) is repurposing the historic El-Aman Caravanserai, currently under restoration, into a multifunctional center focused on culture, arts, gastronomy and tourism. Source: Daily Sabah
May 17, 2025
Ancient Sardes to join Türkiye's nighttime museum initiative
The ancient city of Sardes, once the capital of the Lydian Empire, will soon join Türkiye's growing list of archaeological sites open for nighttime visits, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced. Source: Türkiye Today
2,100-Year-Old Aqueducts Restored in Historic Blaundos City, Western Türkiye
In Western Türkiye, near the modern city of Uşak, the ancient Blaundos city has witnessed an important archaeological restoration. Eight aqueducts dating back over 2,000 years have been carefully uncovered and restored, shedding light on the sophisticated water management systems of the Hellenistic and early Roman periods. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
During foundation excavations in a house in İznik, Bursa, mosaics believed to date back to the time of Jesus Christ were uncovered. This discovery coincides with the recent announcement of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Catholic world, planning a visit to İznik, creating a historic coincidence. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 18, 2025
Silent Witnesses of Nicomedia: Çukurbağ Reliefs Exhibition Opens in Kocaeli
To mark International Museum Day on May 18 and in honor of the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, the “Silent Witnesses of Nicomedia” exhibition has opened at the Kocaeli Archaeology Museum. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the ancient city of Nicomedia, showcasing sculptural relics that reflect the grandeur of a Roman imperial center. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until the end of July. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 19, 2025
A 4,000-Year-Old Will from Kayseri’s Kültepe: “No Furniture Shall Leave the House.”
“No furniture shall leave the house.” This phrase, inscribed in cuneiform on a clay tablet found at Kültepe (ancient Kaniš), might not sound unfamiliar to the modern legal ear. But its true weight becomes clear when one learns that it dates back to around 1900 BCE—making it one of the earliest known examples of a written will in human history. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 20, 2025
27 historic sites to welcome visitors at night
With the continuation of the Night Museum initiative introduced by the Culture and Tourism Ministry last year, 27 museums and archaeological sites in Türkiye will now be illuminated and open to visitors until late at night. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Mithras relief, at 'Zeugma IV. Scythica Legion' exhibition
In celebration of the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, a significant exhibition titled "Zeugma IV. Scythica Legion" was inaugurated at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep. Source: Türkiye Today
Japan's legendary archaeologist Sachihiro Omura dies in Türkiye after 40 years of excavations
Sachihiro Omura, a revered Japanese archaeologist who conducted excavations in Türkiye for nearly four decades, has died in the central Anatolian city of Kirsehir. Source: Türkiye Today
Historic Cilicia Way in Türkiye attracts thousands of nature, history enthusiasts
Thousands of outdoor lovers from across Türkiye recently converged in Mersin to experience the Cilicia Way, a historical and natural trekking route that stretches 550 kilometres (342 miles) from Tisan to Tarsus. The event, part of the Historic Cilicia Way Project, offered participants an unforgettable two-day journey through nature and time. Source: Türkiye Today
May 21, 2025
New exhibition in Antalya traces history of sports in Anatolia
A unique exhibition titled "The Story of Sports in Anatolia" has opened its doors at the Antalya Necropolis Museum, offering a compelling journey through the evolution of sports in Anatolia—from ancient times to the Ottoman era. Source: Türkiye Today
Türkiye's ancient city of Laodicea rises again 2,300 years after its founding
Systematic archaeological excavations at Laodicea have been ongoing since 2003 under the leadership of Professor Celal Simsek. Over the past 22 years, streets, a small theater, and various structures have been unearthed and restored. Yet only 1.3% of the city has been excavated so far. Many significant structures, including the massive hippodrome and the bath complex, still await discovery. Source: Türkiye Today
5,000-Year-Old Loaf of Bread Found in Küllüoba Mound Is on Display
A rare 5,000-year-old loaf of leavened and baked bread, discovered in the Küllüoba Mound located in central Türkiye’s Eskişehir province, is now on public display at the ETİ Archaeology Museum as part of the International Museum Day exhibition. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 22, 2025
Bust of Zeus Helios-Serapis unveiled at Bolu Museum
The bust of Zeus Helios-Serapis, discovered near the northern province of Bolu's Yeniçaydurt village, has been put on display at the Bolu Museum following an extensive restoration and assembly process. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Ancient Treasures of Ainos Unearthed in Northwestern Türkiye: Now on Display in Edirne Museum
The Edirne Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, located in the historic region of Thrace in northwestern Türkiye, invites visitors on a fascinating journey through time with its remarkable collection of artifacts unearthed from the ancient city of Ainos (modern-day Enez). Source: Anatolian Archaeology
Reviving ancient flavours: Roman recipes recreated in Türkiye's 'Perre Archaeogastronomy Project'
Led by Adiyaman University, the project "From Past to Present: Culinary Culture in Perre" has recreated meals from 1,800 years ago using data obtained from archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Perre. Source: Türkiye Today
May 23, 2025
Topkapi Palace reopens 2 restored imperial chambers in Harem section
The Directorate of National Palaces in Türkiye has completed restoration works on two historic rooms within the Harem section of Topkapi Palace. Known as the "Ahmed I and Ahmed III Rooms", these imperial chambers have now been reopened to the public, offering rare insights into the refined aesthetics of the Ottoman court. Source: Türkiye Today
The Tekirdağ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum attracts thousands of visitors each year, with one of its star exhibits being a remarkable statue of Cybele, the ancient Anatolian mother goddess symbolizing fertility, nature, and protection. This statue, uncovered during excavations at the nearby Heraion-Teikhos Ancient City, offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual life of ancient Thrace and the wider Anatolian region. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 26, 2025
Historic mosaic area serves as museum
An ancient Roman-Byzantine mosaic discovered during restoration work in a historical municipal building in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district has been transformed into a cultural center and is now open to the public as the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gokhan Yazgi has announced that the Tas Tepeler (Stone Mounds) Project in Türkiye is currently the largest archaeological initiative in the world. Source: Türkiye Today
May 27, 2025
The Hittites’ Gateway to the West: Archaeological Excavations Continue at Şarhöyük, Eskişehir
Just a few kilometers from the heart of Eskişehir, central Türkiye, lies Şarhöyük, an archaeological treasure trove that offers a window into thousands of years of Anatolian history. Identified with the ancient city of Dorylaion, this site is now at the center of a major excavation project revealing the layers of civilizations that once flourished here — including the Hittites, Frigians, Romans, and Byzantines. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 28, 2025
Manisa Museum reopens with enriched collection
The Manisa Museum has reopened in a new location after it was closed at its former site in 2000, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the region's historical legacy with its rich collection of artifacts and exhibits that span thousands of years. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Australian thief smuggling historic Anzac war relics from Türkiye
An Australian national was caught red-handed at Istanbul Airport attempting to smuggle historical artifacts—including relics linked to Anzac soldiers from the Gallipoli campaign—out of Türkiye. Source: Türkiye Today
Istanbul's renowned Pera Museum, part of the Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a landmark exhibition that highlights the life and work of Minas Avramidis, a transformative figure in the world of Kutahya tiles and ceramics. Source: Türkiye Today
Shipwreck Discovered Near Türkiye’s Besmi Island Reveals Ancient Trade Secrets Beneath the Waves
Off the southern coast of Türkiye, the turquoise waters of Kaş have once again revealed a stunning archaeological treasure—this time in the form of a centuries-old shipwreck near Besmi Island, a historic waypoint on ancient maritime trade routes. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 29, 2025
In the heart of southeastern Türkiye, a remarkable 1,500-year-old floor mosaic is being preserved as part of ongoing conservation efforts in the ancient city of Perre. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 30, 2025
Rare Ottoman imperial edicts seized in Istanbul raids
Turkish police have recovered nearly 3,000 historical artifacts in a series of operations across Istanbul, including rare, original imperial decrees issued during the reigns of Ottoman sultans Abdulhamid II and Selim III. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
What did German archaeologists find beneath Hagia Sophia in 1930s?
In the heart of old Istanbul, the garden of Hagia Sophia—one of humanity's most enduring architectural marvels—hid secrets long buried beneath its soil. Between 1935 and 1939, the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), under the leadership of Alfons Maria Schneider, conducted a series of archaeological excavations that revealed previously unknown architectural remains and artifacts dating back to the time of Emperor Theodosius. Source: Türkiye Today
Discover a Roman-Era Route Hidden in Türkiye’s Taurus Mountains
Far from the busy beaches of Antalya lies a hidden treasure for history lovers and adventure seekers alike: an ancient Roman trade route winding through the forested hills of the Taurus Mountains. In the quiet district of Akseki, this recently restored path—once a vital artery of the Silk Road—offers travelers a unique opportunity to walk through time. Source: Anatolian Archaeology
May 31, 2025
Anatolia's oldest known stone figurines unearthed at Türkiye’s Kizilin Cave
In the shadow of the Western Taurus Mountains, an extraordinary archaeological discovery is reshaping our understanding of prehistoric art in Anatolia. Excavations at the Epi-palaeolithic cave settlement of Kizilin, near Yagca in the Dosemealti district of Antalya, have unearthed what are now considered the oldest known stone human figurines of Anatolia, dating back as far as 19,000 years. Source: Türkiye Today
Exhibition brings Islamic civilization’s scientific past to present
A new exhibition showcasing the groundbreaking contributions of Muslim scholars to science and technology has opened in Istanbul, shedding light on the scientific legacy of Islamic civilization that helped shape the modern world. Source: Hürriyet Daily News
In the arid plains of southeastern Anatolia, a quiet giant slumbers. While Göbekli Tepe has dazzled archaeologists and the global public alike as the world’s earliest known temple complex, a lesser-known site within the Taş Tepeler archaeological zone is beginning to attract the curiosity of scholars: Kurt Tepesi. Long overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Kurt Tepesi is now emerging as a crucial piece in the complex puzzle of early Neolithic society. Source: Arkeonews
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