The project titled "Heritage for the Future" aims to promote archaeological monuments, deepen research, and create new opportunities for the development of archaeology in Turkey. As part of this project, remarkable discoveries were made last year that allowed for a new assessment of the interaction between humans and their environment. The year 2025 has become particularly significant for the country, drawing attention to its cultural heritage. Let’s consider the most significant discoveries.
Neolithic Finds
In the province of Şanlıurfa, within the Taş Tepeler project, which marked its first five years, interesting finds were made. At Karahan Tepe, archaeologists discovered a vessel with a three-dimensional depiction of animals — one of the earliest mythological representations. A T-shaped stone pillar with a human face was also found. At Göbeklitepe, a human figure embedded in the wall, presumably of cultic significance, was identified. In Sayburç, archaeologists found a sculpture of a person with a sewn mouth, and in Sefertepe, two reliefs depicting human faces and a double-sided bead were discovered.
Artifacts of Ancient Troy
In Troy, located in the province of Çanakkale, archaeologists found a golden fibula from the Early Bronze Age (around 2500 BC) and a rare jade stone, which are symbols of status. This fibula is considered one of the best-preserved examples in world archaeology and represents an important discovery of recent decades.
Discoveries on the Sea Floor
Off the coast of Datça, in the province of Muğla, researchers discovered the wreck site of an Ottoman ship from the 17th century. Among the finds are more than 30 rifles, over 50 grenades, thousands of bullets, as well as a collection of smoking pipes and Chinese porcelain, which hold historical value for Ottoman seafaring.
Bronze Age Idols
At Tavşanlı Höyük, one of the largest Bronze Age sites in Western Anatolia, marble, bone, and terracotta idols were found arranged around a hearth, reflecting the religious practices of that era.
Medusa from Amastris
In the ancient city of Amastris, located in the Bartın province, a rare smiling figure of Medusa — a character from ancient Greek mythology — was found during the restoration of a 2nd-century AD stoa.
Find from Ephesus Dedicated to Serapis
In Ephesus, located in the İzmir province, a terracotta incense vessel depicting the Egyptian god Serapis was discovered. An inscription on the vessel indicates a connection with a similar find from the Terrace Houses, which may suggest the existence of a workshop or regular trade in such items.
Holy Breads from Karaman
In the ancient city of Topraktepe (Eirenepolis, Karaman province), five charred loaves from the 7th–8th centuries AD with Maltese crosses and an image of Christ were found, which may have been used in early Christian rituals.
Urartian Warehouse in Van
At the Kevenli fortress at the foot of Mount Erek, in the province of Van, archaeologists discovered 76 pithoi with cuneiform inscriptions — the largest known Urartian warehouse for storing oil, grain, and beverages.
