May 2018 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Sat, 06/02/2018 - 08:39

May 2018 was a busy month for the archaeologists working in the area of Turkey, including those active in the ancient site of Lyrboton Kome in the southern province of Antalya, in Milas, and in the newly discovered site in Bayburt. Moreover, two new museums were announced to open soon: in Uşak to display the world-famous treasure belonging to the Lydian King Croesus, and in Van, to present Urartian artifacts.

Van Fortress

Submitted by Iza on Tue, 05/29/2018 - 19:03

Standing on a steep hill overlooking the waters of Van Lake, Van Fortress is the sight to remember. It used to be the seat of the Urartian kings that ruled over the region in the beginnings of the first millennium BCE. Antonio Sagona and Paul Zimansky called their state "the kingdom of fortresses", and Van Fortress is the most impressive of these structures.

Çarpıran Bridges

Submitted by Iza on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 17:37

Sometimes, during a journey that was supposed to be rather uneventful, you can come across an unexpected historical monument. It is especially true in Turkey, where many monuments of the eastern region's rich past are still poorly documented and described. One of such monuments is the double Çarpıran Bridge that stands next to the important E99 route, connecting Diyarbakır and Van.

Ishak Pasha Palace

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 05/14/2018 - 19:45

In the easternmost district of Turkey, very close to the Iranian border, perched on a steep rock, sits one of the most magnificent historical buildings of the country. It is known as Ishak Pasha Palace, an unexpectedly intricate pearl of architecture, contrasting its beauty with a mountainous and drab landscape. It still manages to surprise the travellers with its grandeur, but it must have made an even stronger impression on the weary merchants following the Silk Route. Across the valley, on a higher ridge, sits a much older structure - Doğubayazıt Fortress.

Ishak Pasha Palace - the gate to the harem section, the mosque, and the mausoleum

April 2018 in Turkish archaeology

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 05/07/2018 - 14:48

April 2018 was the month when extensive restoration programmes were announced by Turkish authorities. İmera Monastery in the Black Sea province of Gümüşhane, Armenian Cathedral of Ani in Turkey's eastern Kars Province, and St. Nicholas' Monastery in Kıyıköy village in Vize district are among the historical structures set for renovation. Let's hope that the works will preserve the character of these important monuments.