As part of the "Heritage for the Future" initiative, emphasis is placed on popularizing archaeological sites and expanding research, marking a new phase in the development of archaeology in the country. In 2025, interest in Turkey's cultural heritage noticeably increased, and last year artifacts were discovered that allowed for a new assessment of the relationship between humans and the surrounding world. Below are the most significant discoveries.
Neolithic Finds
In the province of Şanlıurfa, the Taş Tepeler project, celebrating its fifth anniversary, has yielded many interesting finds. At Karahan Tepe, a vessel with a three-dimensional depiction of animals—one of the oldest mythological symbols—was discovered. Additionally, a T-shaped stone pillar with a human face was found in this region. At Göbeklitepe, a human figure embedded in a wall, likely used for cult purposes, was uncovered. Furthermore, 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 discovered.
Ancient Troy: Symbols of Power
On the territory of Troy (Çanakkale province), archaeologists found a gold fibula from the Early Bronze Age, dating back to around 2500 BC, as well as a rare jade stone—items symbolizing status. This fibula is considered one of the best-preserved examples in world archaeology and represents an important typological discovery in recent decades.
Ottoman Era Discoveries Underwater
Off the coast of Datça (Muğla province), researchers studied the wreck site of a 17th-century Ottoman ship. More than 30 guns, over 50 grenades, thousands of bullets, as well as a collection of smoking pipes and Chinese porcelain were discovered—important materials for studying the history of Ottoman seafaring.
4500-Year-Old Idols
At Tavşanlı Höyük (Kütahya province), one of the largest Bronze Age sites in Western Anatolia, marble, bone, and terracotta idols were found. These finds were located near a hearth and reflect the religious practices of that time.
Smiling Medusa from the Black Sea
In the ancient city of Amastis (Bartın province), during restoration work from the 2nd century AD, a unique smiling figure of Medusa, a well-known character from ancient Greek mythology, was found.
Find in Ephesus Related to Serapis
In Ephesus (Izmir province), a terracotta incense vessel depicting the Egyptian god Serapis was discovered. This find has an inscription that links it to a similar find from the Terrace Houses, which may indicate the presence of a workshop or regular trade in such items.
Sacred Breads from Karaman
In ancient Topraktepe (Eirenepolis, Karaman province), five charred breads from the 7th-8th centuries AD, adorned with Maltese crosses and images of Christ, were found, which may have been used in early Christian rituals.
Giant Storage of Urartians in Van
At the fortress of Kevenli, located at the foot of Mount Erek (Van province), archaeologists discovered 76 pithoi with cuneiform inscriptions—the largest known storage facility from the Urartian period, intended for storing oil, grain, and beverages.
