Turkiye
Unearthing Türkiye’s Cultural Treasures of the Past
Anatolia, a millenia-old crossroads of civilizations, is home to some of the earliest settlements on earth. Today, it boasts unique treasures from these ancient cultures.
The richness of these lands is gradually being uncovered through year-round excavations led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This year, experts made significant discoveries that will once again impact the historical narrative.
Golden Age of Turkish Archaeology Türkiye has emerged as a global stronghold for archaeology through numerous archaeological excavations and restoration projects aimed at preserving its cultural heritage. The country plans to achieve in the next four years what has been accomplished in the past 60.
As part of this effort, 2024 has been declared the ‘Golden Age of Turkish Archaeology.’ The number of archaeological projects across the country has increased by nearly 100 in only three years. Additionally, Türkiye continues to prioritize conservation and visitor arrangements at excavation sites.
Archaeological Highlights in 2024 Discovered in the ancient city of Laodicea in Denizli a group of extraordinary sculptures were unearthed depicting Scylla, the man-eating monster, the body of Odysseus, statues of his companions, and the bow of his ship. The statues, with their well-preserved original paint and baroque style of the Hellenistic period, are exceptional. Another major find was found a two-hour drive away at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aphrodisias in Aydın, where archaeologists unearthed a nearly 2,000-year-old Zeus head sculpture with minimal damage.
Cultural Recoveries of the Year Türkiye remains dedicated to repatriation of looted artefacts from abroad, a mission reinforced by notable successes this year. The country recently secured the return of 14 archaeological and ethnographic artefacts from the United States. Among the recovered items are two bronze heads, a giant bronze statue from the ancient city of Boubon in Burdur, ceramic works, coins, a jewellery piece, and two Ottoman-era daggers, all significant cultural treasures.
