On the territory of Turkey, which is part of Anatolia and has been the cradle of numerous civilizations, archaeologists continue to make astonishing discoveries that reflect the shared heritage of humanity. This country, stretching from east to west and from north to south, is a true treasure trove where the history of humanity comes to life.
In 2025, the project “Heritage – to the Future” (Legacy to the Future) was launched, aimed at popularizing unique archaeological finds and expanding research across the country, which opened a new chapter in the development of Turkish archaeology.
As part of this project, a multitude of artifacts from various eras and cultures were discovered last year. These finds provide new perspectives for understanding the interaction between humans and the surrounding world, making 2025 significant in the context of archaeological research and increasing interest in Turkey's cultural heritage. Let’s take a look at the most significant discoveries made last year.
Neolithic Finds
The Taş Tepeler project, dedicated to excavations from the Neolithic era in the Şanlıurfa province, celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2025 and has been a source of several significant finds.
At Karahan Tepe, archaeologists discovered a small vessel depicting three animals, which became the earliest known three-dimensional mythological representation, as well as a T-shaped stone pillar with a human face. At Göbekli Tepe, a human figure embedded in a wall was found, likely serving as a cult offering. In Sayburç, a sculpture with a sewn mouth, symbolizing the deceased, was uncovered, while Sefer Tepe provided two reliefs with human faces and a double-sided bead.
Artifacts from Ancient Troy
During excavations in the ancient city of Troy, located in the Çanakkale province, a golden fibula dating back to the Early Bronze Age (around 2500 BC) was found, along with a rare jade stone that may have served as a luxury item. This fibula, one of three known examples in the world, became an important discovery in the fields of typology and the history of archaeology over the past century.
Underwater Finds Related to Ottoman History
Underwater archaeological work at the site of the wreck of the Ottoman ship Kızlan off the coast of Datça (Muğla province) yielded numerous significant finds related to Ottoman seafaring.
This is the only known Ottoman ship from the 17th century in Turkey, which provided over 30 guns, more than 50 grenades, numerous bullets, the largest collection of Ottoman smoking pipes, and Chinese porcelain.
Idols from Tavşanlı Höyük
In the settlement of Tavşanlı Höyük in the Kütahya province, one of the largest Bronze Age monuments in Western Anatolia, archaeologists found idols approximately 4,500 years old.
Marble, bone, and terracotta artifacts were discovered around the hearth and provide valuable information about the religious practices of that time.
Rare Find in Amastris
In the ancient city of Amastris, located in the Amasra district of Bartın province, restoration of a stoa approximately 2,000 years old is being carried out as part of the “Heritage – to the Future” project.
During the work, a rare smiling figure of Medusa was found, known in mythology as a snake-haired female monster that turns those who gaze upon her to stone.
Find in Ephesus Related to Serapis
In the territory of the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in İzmir province, a terracotta incense vessel with a relief of the Egyptian god Serapis was found.
Thanks to an inscription on the back of the artifact, it was possible to link it to a similar item previously found in the Terrace Houses, indicating the presence of a workshop in Ephesus or regular trade in such products.
Discovery of Breads in Karaman
During excavations of the ancient city of Topraktepe (Eirenopolis) in Karaman province, five charred loaves dating back to the 7th-8th centuries AD were found.
Researchers believe these loaves, adorned with Maltese crosses and images of Jesus Christ, may have been used in the liturgical rites of early Christianity.
Pithoi in Van
During archaeological research at the ruins of the Kevenli fortress, located at the foot of Mount Erek in the İpekyolu district of Van province, 76 large pithoi with cuneiform inscriptions were discovered.
These containers were used by the Urartians for storing oil, grain, and beverages and are considered the largest storage complex of this kind in the Van region to date.
