Archaeologists discover well-preserved 14th-century structure in Türkiye’s Assos

An early Ottoman-era bath has been unearthed in Assos, located in Behramkale village, Ayvacik district of Canakkale, Türkiye.

Nestled atop a volcanic hill overlooking Greece’s Lesbos Island, Assos has served as a continuous hub for various civilizations throughout history.

Ancient city of Assos continues to reveal secrets

Excavations in Assos date back to the 1800s, when American archaeologists first explored the site. After a long hiatus, digs resumed in 1981 and have since been conducted by Turkish archaeologists for 44 years.

The recent discovery was made as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Legacy for the Future Project, supported by the main sponsor, ICDAS.

Professor Nurettin Arslan, Head of the Assos Excavation Team and a faculty member at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, emphasized the significance of the find. “This bath is a small yet remarkably well-preserved example of early Ottoman architecture,” Arslan told Anadolu Agency (AA).

Glimpse into early Ottoman engineering

Located behind a mosque in the city’s acropolis, the bath boasts an impressive “cehennem”—a hypocaust system used for underfloor heating.

“Its structural features provide excellent insights into water use and heating systems of the time,” Arslan noted.

Additionally, a unique marble slab from the bath’s changing room has captured the attention of scholars. Engraved with a 5th-century inscription dating to Emperor Zeno’s reign, it contains valuable details about taxation, land ownership, and legal practices of the era.

“This inscription’s analysis is ongoing, and its findings will significantly enrich our understanding of the period,” Arslan said.

Coins and ceramics link bath to Sultan Murad I

Artifacts recovered from the bath include coins and ceramics attributed to the reign of Sultan Murad I, further confirming its 14th-century origins.

“The architectural design and construction techniques align with early Ottoman baths, suggesting it was built alongside the nearby mosque and bridge during Murad I’s rule,” Arslan explained.

Legacy for future generations

The excavation season in Assos extended until the end of December 2024, marking one of the most comprehensive efforts in the site’s history.

Findings from these digs continue to shed light on the rich cultural tapestry of Türkiye, ensuring the ancient city’s stories are preserved for generations to come.