Turkey, located on the territory of Anatolia, is a place where various civilizations have developed for thousands of years. These lands continue to unveil secrets buried beneath the soil, shaping the collective cultural heritage of humanity. The country, stretching from east to west and from north to south, is rightly considered a living museum, showcasing key moments in human history.
The initiative “Heritage – to the Future” aims to draw attention to these unique finds, expand the scope of archaeological research across the country, and launch a new phase in the development of archaeology in Turkey.
As part of this program, numerous significant discoveries were made last year, shedding light on various eras and civilizations. These discoveries have changed our perception of human interaction with the surrounding world, making 2025 an important year for enhancing the experience of visitors to archaeological sites and raising awareness of Turkey's cultural heritage. Let’s consider some of the most significant archaeological discoveries made last year.
Neolithic Finds
The Taş Tepeler project, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2025, is excavating in the province of Şanlıurfa and has been a source of several interesting discoveries.
At Karahan Tepe, a vessel depicting three animals was found, representing the earliest three-dimensional mythological depiction. A T-shaped stone pillar with a human face was also discovered. Archaeologists at Göbekli Tepe found a human figure embedded in a wall, which likely served as a cult offering. In Sayburç, a sculpture of a person with a sewn mouth, symbolizing the deceased, was found, and in Sefertepe, two reliefs with human faces and a double-sided bead were uncovered.
Artifacts from Ancient Troy: Symbols of Power
During the excavations of the ancient city of Troy, located in the province of Çanakkale, a gold fibula dating back to the Early Bronze Age (around 2500 BC) was discovered. Among the finds was also a rare jade stone, likely used as a luxury item. This fibula is considered one of the three surviving examples in the world and represents one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the last hundred years.
Underwater Finds Revealing Ottoman Maritime History
At the wreck site of the Ottoman ship Kızlan off the coast of Datça (Muğla province), important finds were made during underwater excavations that shed light on Ottoman seafaring.
This is the only known Ottoman ship from the 17th century in Turkey, which provided over 30 guns, more than 50 grenades, thousands of bullets, the largest collection of Ottoman smoking pipes, and Chinese porcelain.
Bronze Age Idols
At the excavations of the settlement Tavşanlı Höyük in Kütahya province, one of the largest Bronze Age sites in Western Anatolia, archaeologists found idols that are about 4,500 years old.
Marble, bone, and terracotta artifacts were discovered around a hearth, providing valuable insights into the religious practices of that era.
The Medusa Figure on the Black Sea Coast
In the ancient city of Amastris, located in the Amasra district of Bartın province, restoration work is underway on a stoa that is about 2,000 years old as part of the “Heritage – to the Future” project.
During this work, a rare smiling figure of Medusa was found, known in mythology as a snake-haired monster capable of turning anyone who looks into her eyes to stone.
A New Find in Ephesus Related to Serapis
On the territory of the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site in İzmir province, a terracotta incense vessel with a relief depiction of the Egyptian god Serapis was discovered.
Thanks to an inscription on the back, the artifact was linked to another item previously found in the Terrace Houses, indicating the presence of a workshop for producing such items in Ephesus or an established trade.
Charred Breads in Karaman
During excavations in the ancient city of Topraktepe (Eirenopolis) in Karaman province, five charred loaves of bread dating back to the 7th–8th centuries AD were found.
Researchers believe that these breads, adorned with Maltese crosses and images of Jesus Christ, may have been used in early Christian rituals.
Large Storage Complex of Pithoi in Van
During excavations at the ruins of the Kevenli fortress, located at the foot of Mount Erek in the İpekyolu district of Van province, archaeologists discovered 76 large vessels — pithoi with cuneiform inscriptions.
These containers were used by the Urartians for storing oils, grains, and beverages and are currently considered the largest known storage complex of this kind in the Van region.
