December 2024 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 01/01/2025 - 10:32

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.

Hazeranlar Mansion in Amasya

Submitted by Iza on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:23

On the northern bank of the Yeşilırmak River in Amasya there is a district of old Ottoman houses called Hatuniye Mahallesi. Near the stairs leading to the Tombs of the Pontic Kings stands the mansion called Hazeranlar Konağı. It was built in 1865 and underwent a major renovation in 1979.

November 2024 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Sun, 12/01/2024 - 08:28

The archaeological discoveries announced in Turkey in November 2024 strongly focussed on the Urartian heritage of the eastern part of the country. During archaeological excavations in Van’s Tuşba district, a basalt stone statue weighing nearly one ton, dating back to the Urartian period, was uncovered. In the excavations at an Urartian-era fortress in Van’s Ipekyolu district, archaeologists uncovered 42 inscribed pithoi, large ancient storage jars. Moreover,the excavations at Ayanis Castle in Van's Tuşba district in eastern Türkiye revealed the grandeur of the ancient fortress, once a symbol of the Urartian Kingdom, as newly uncovered walls highlight its impressive structure.

Lagina

Submitted by Admin on Thu, 11/21/2024 - 09:57

This text is a fragment of "The Secrets of Bodrum and Ancient Caria" guidebook.

Nearby Yatağan, overshadowed by the thermal power plant, lie the ruins of Lagina ancient sanctuary. Their location, among the surroundings heavily damaged by industrial activities, paradoxically matches the characteristics of the goddess who used to be worshipped there. It was Hecate, the dark goddess of the underworld, of Anatolian origins.

Archaeological Museum in Bergama

Submitted by Iza on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 09:56

The museum in Bergama, conveniently located in the very centre of the city, has many interesting exhibits in its collection. However, when visiting, it is difficult to resist the impression that something is missing. Of course, this is the famous Great Altar of Zeus from the Pergamon Acropolis, which was taken to Berlin in the 19th century and is now the main attraction of the Pergamon Museum there. One can only imagine the invasion of ancient history lovers into the facility in Bergama if it had this masterpiece. Unfortunately, when visiting this museum, you have to be content with a miniature model and photos from Berlin.

This does not mean that the museum is not worth visiting. On the contrary, it is a perfect complement to a visit to the Acropolis of Pergamon and the Asclepieion, from where most of the exhibits come from.