Excavations Uncover Ancient Civilizations in Central Anatolia
Traces of civilizations are being uncovered through archaeological excavations in Central Anatolia. In Kayseri, Sivas, Yozgat, and Kırıkkale, researchers have made significant discoveries that shed light on the history of Anatolia and the world.
One of the key excavation sites is the Kültepe Kaniş/Karum Mound, located 20 kilometers northeast of Kayseri city center. Led by Prof. Dr. Fikri Kulakoğlu from Ankara University, the excavations have been ongoing for 12 months, weather permitting. The findings from this mound, where the first scientific excavations began in 1948, provide valuable insights into the history of the region.
In the current season of excavations at Kültepe, evidence dating back at least 6 thousand years has been discovered in a trench belonging to the Chalcolithic Age. Researchers are also hoping to uncover the first foundation of Kültepe in the old layers beneath the ancient Warşama Palace. Additionally, linguist Sarka Velharticka is working to compile the findings of linguist Bedrich Hrozny, who deciphered Hittite and unearthed tablets in Kültepe in 1925.
Another noteworthy discovery has been made in fossil excavations around the Yamula Dam. Since 2018, researchers led by Prof. Dr. Okşan Başoğlu and Prof. Dr. Pınar Gözlük Kırmızıoğlu from Hacı Bayram Veli University have been unearthing fossils, predominantly from the giraffe family. These excavations have also yielded fossils of other megafauna, such as proboscideans.
Excavations taking place at the Keykubadiye Palace, built by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I during the Anatolian Seljuk period, have uncovered the palace’s bath section. The excavation committee, headed by Prof. Dr. Ali Baş from Selçuk University, has been working on these excavations since 2015.
In Sivas, at the Kayalıpınar Ruin, which was an important center during the Hittite period, excavations have revealed seal impressions belonging to Hittite King Hattushili III and other members of the royal family. Additionally, fragments of cuneiform tablets with festival and fortune-telling texts have been found, indicating the rich history of Kayalıpınar.
At the Ancient City of Pteria, also known as the Kerkenes Ruins, excavations have uncovered elephant pieces. This ancient city, estimated to have been founded by the Medes in the Iron Age, is considered one of the largest settlements of its time.
Lastly, in Büklükale, located in Kırıkkale’s Karakeçili district, excavations have detected evidence of an earthquake that occurred during the Hittite period. Arrowheads used in warfare and remains from the Late Iron Age have also been found, revealing the complex history of this region.
The ongoing excavations in Central Anatolia continue to reveal the rich heritage and civilization that once thrived in this area. Researchers and archaeologists are committed to unraveling the secrets of the past, providing valuable knowledge about Anatolia’s history and its connections to the wider world.
