As part of the "Heritage for the Future" project, efforts are actively underway to promote archaeological monuments, expand research, and develop archaeology in the country. Last year, artifacts from various historical eras were discovered, allowing for a new perspective on the interaction between humans and the surrounding world. The year 2025 has become particularly important, increasing interest in Turkey's cultural heritage. Below are the most significant discoveries.
Neolithic Finds
The Taş Tepeler project, marking its fifth anniversary, has brought many interesting finds in the Şanlıurfa province. A vessel with a three-dimensional illustration of animals—one of the earliest mythological representations—was found at Karahan Tepe. A T-shaped stone pillar with a human face was also discovered. At Göbekli Tepe, experts identified a human figure embedded in the wall, likely serving as a cult object. In Sayburç, a sculpture of a person with a sewn mouth was found, and in Sefertepe, two reliefs with human faces and a double-sided bead were uncovered.
Ancient Troy: Symbols of Power and Luxury
In Troy, located in the Çanakkale province, archaeologists discovered a golden fibula from the Early Bronze Age (around 2500 BC) and a rare jade stone, which are significant status items. This fibula is considered one of the best-preserved examples in archaeology and an important typological discovery of recent decades.
Underwater Finds from the Ottoman Era
Off the coast of Datça (Muğla province), the wreck site of a 17th-century Ottoman ship was investigated. Archaeologists found more than 30 guns, over 50 grenades, thousands of bullets, a collection of smoking pipes, and Chinese porcelain, which represent valuable material for studying Ottoman seafaring.
4500-Year-Old Idols
In Tavşanlı Höyük (Kütahya province), one of the largest Bronze Age sites in Western Anatolia, marble, bone, and terracotta idols were discovered, arranged around a hearth and reflecting the religious practices of that time.
Smiling Medusa from the Black Sea
In the ancient city of Amastris (Bartın province), during the restoration of a 2nd-century AD stoa, a rare smiling figure of Medusa, a character from ancient Greek mythology, was found.
Find in Ephesus Related to Serapis
In ancient Ephesus (Izmir province), a terracotta incense vessel depicting the Egyptian god Serapis was discovered. According to the inscription, it is related to a similar find from the Terrace Houses, indicating the existence of a workshop or regular trade in such items.
Breads in Karaman
In the ancient city of Topraktepe (Eirenepolis, Karaman province), five charred loaves from the 7th-8th centuries AD, decorated with Maltese crosses and images of Christ, were discovered. They were likely used in early Christian rituals.
Giant Pithoi in Van: The Largest Urartian Storage Facility
At the Kevenli Fortress, located at the foot of Mount Erek (Van province), 76 pithoi with cuneiform inscriptions were found—this is the largest known storage complex of the Urartians for storing oil, grain, and beverages.
