Alalakh

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 04/11/2017 - 15:22

Alalakh, now known as Tell Atchana, is an archaeological site in the Hatay Province. During the Bronze Age, Alalakh was a city-state and the seat of kings who ruled the Amuq Plain. It is a broad valley crossed by Orontes River. Because of the river's periodical outflows, the valley is covered with a thick layer of fertile alluvial deposits. This situation has encouraged the development of intensive agriculture. The fertile Amuq Plain has been densely populated at least since the 7th millennium BCE. There are many traces of ancient settlements that attract archaeologists from all over the world. One of the most prominent of these sites is Tell Atchana, first explored in the 30's of the 20th century by the British expedition.

Tilmen Höyük

Submitted by Iza on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 15:59

The archaeological site of Tilmen Höyük, located in the Gaziantep Province in southeastern Turkey, is an excellent example of a Bronze Age urban settlement. Even the travellers who are usually not much interested in history should be satisfied with a visit to Tilmen. It is picturesquely situated in the bend of Karasu River, among vast wetlands that are home to many species of birds. The peaks of the Amanus and Kurt mountain ranges are visible far away, on the horizon. A walk on the mound is even more pleasant because of lush vegetation, including wild olive trees and oaks. Photography enthusiasts have the opportunity of capturing the species of local flora and fauna, including friendly crabs, in addition to taking photos of the ruins.

March 2017 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 04/03/2017 - 08:33

Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for March 2017. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!

Kırkkaşık Bedesten in Tarsus

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 19:45

Kırkkaşık Bedesten, literally translated as the Bazaar of Forty Spoons, is a covered market in Tarsus. Its history is closely related to the Grand Mosque of Tarsus, standing next to it. The bedesten is not only a historical attraction to the tourists who visit Tarsus, but it also plays a commercial role as a famous shopping centre.

Grand Mosque of Tarsus

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 16:47

When visiting the city of Tarsus, it is worth to remember not only about the monuments of the ancient period and the times of early Christianity. The history of the Grand Mosque (tr. Ulu Cami) is a perfect illustration of the turbulent history of the town, where numerous cultures and religions influenced each other, sometimes in an unexpected way.