Türkiye’s lands in Anatolia, a historical cradle of civilisations for millennia, continue to uncover humanity’s shared heritage hidden beneath the surface. Extending across the country from east to west and north to south, Türkiye functions as an open-air museum showcasing the civilisations that have shaped human history. The Legacy to the Future Project aims to highlight these remarkable treasures, expanding archaeological efforts nationwide and ushering in a new, dynamic era for archaeology in Türkiye. Last year, numerous artefacts from various periods and civilisations were uncovered through this initiative. These discoveries provide fresh insights into humanity’s relationship with the world, making 2025 a pivotal year that enhanced the visitor experience at archaeological sites and increased visibility of cultural heritage. Let’s delve into Türkiye’s most notable archaeological finds from last year.
Discoveries from the Neolithic Period
The Taş Tepeler Project, which covers Neolithic excavation sites across Şanlıurfa and celebrated its 5th anniversary in 2025, uncovered significant discoveries last year. Karahantepe revealed a small vessel with three animal figures, believed to be the earliest known three-dimensional mythological representation. It also uncovered a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face. Additionally, archaeologists discovered a human figure embedded in a wall at Göbeklitepe, a UNESCO site, serving as a votive offering, and a human sculpture in Sayburç showing a deceased person with a stitched mouth. Sefertepe provided two human face reliefs and a double-faced bead.
Symbols of Luxury and Power in Ancient Troy
Ongoing excavations at Troy in Çanakkale have uncovered a golden brooch dating to the Early Bronze Age (c. 2500 BCE) and a rare jade stone, once probably part of a luxury item. Used as a symbol of social status and power, the brooch is the best-preserved of only three known examples worldwide and is considered one of the most significant typological and historical discoveries of the past 100 years.
Underwater Insights into Ottoman Maritime
Significant discoveries illuminating Ottoman maritime history were made during underwater excavations at the Kızlan Ottoman Shipwreck near Datça in Muğla. Türkiye’s only known 17th-century Ottoman shipwreck has revealed over 30 rifles, more than 50 grenades, thousands of bullets, the largest collection of Ottoman-era tobacco pipes, and Chinese porcelain.
4,500-year-old Idols
Archaeologists discovered 4,500-year-old idols at Tavşanlı Höyük in Kütahya, one of the largest Bronze Age settlements in Western Anatolia. These idols, made of marble, bone, and terracotta, were found arranged around a hearth. Their discovery provides valuable insights into the religious practices of that era.
Snake-Haired Medusa in Black Sea
The nearly 2,000-year-old stoa in the ancient city of Amastris, situated in the Amasra district of Bartın, is being faithfully restored as part of the Legacy to the Future Project. During the restoration work at the stoa, a rare smiling depiction of Medusa was uncovered. In mythology, she is known as the snake-haired, sharp-toothed female monster who turns anyone who looks at her to stone.
Another Ephesian Discovery Dedicated to Serapis
At the UNESCO site of Ephesus in İzmir, a terracotta incense burner bearing a relief of the Egyptian god Serapis was discovered. Thanks to the inscription on its back, the incense burner was linked to an identical artefact previously found in Terrace Houses. This indicates the existence of a workshop producing the same type of items in Ephesus or the regular trade of such products.
Sacramental Breads in Karaman
Conversely, excavations at Topraktepe (Eirenepolis), an ancient city in Karaman, uncovered five carbonised loaves dating back to the 7th–8th centuries CE. Experts believe these loaves, adorned with Maltese cross motifs and an image of Jesus, may have been sacramental breads used in early Christian rituals.
Pithoi as the Largest Storage Complex in Van
During archaeological excavations at the ruins of Kevenli Castle on the foothills of Mount Erek in Van’s İpekyolu district, 76 cuneiform-inscribed pithoi (large storage containers) used by the Urartians to store oil, grain, and beverages were uncovered. This collection of pithoi is regarded as the largest storage complex identified in Van so far.