Ancient Anatolian leopard depicted on 800-year-old ceramic unearthed in Hasankeyf

In the historic district of Hasankeyf, Batman, a remarkable 800-year-old ceramic fragment featuring what is believed to be an Anatolian leopard has been unearthed.

The discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into the biodiversity and artistry of the Artukid period.

2024 excavations reveal Artukid and Roman treasures

Hasankeyf, one of the oldest settlements in the world, concluded its 2024 excavation season under the leadership of Associate Professor Zekai Erdal from Mardin Artuklu University’s Faculty of Literature.

The expert team uncovered numerous artifacts, including an Artukid-period ceramic and perfume bottles dating to the Late Roman era.

Intriguing scene of animal combat on ceramic

Among the standout finds was a ceramic fragment crafted using the lusterware technique, depicting an animal combat scene. According to Erdal, the fragment shows a wild animal’s body—missing its head—alongside the head of a wild goat.

“We identified a scene of animal combat along the vessel’s edge. Our hypothesis led us to consult with Türkiye’s Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. Experts there confirmed that the animal figure is highly likely to represent the Anatolian leopard,” Erdal explained.

Testament to Anatolian leopard’s presence

The discovery not only sheds light on the region’s fauna during the 13th century but also highlights the cultural significance of the Anatolian leopard, a species thought extinct in Türkiye until it was spotted again in 2019.

“The artifact proves that the Anatolian leopard lived in the region during the 1200s and was depicted on everyday items and artworks by the local population,” Erdal added.

Search for missing ceramic pieces continues

Archaeologists aim to uncover the missing parts of the ceramic in the upcoming excavation season. This would provide a more complete narrative of the artifact and its historical significance.

The 2024 season also yielded two perfume bottles from the fourth century, found in a burial site east of the Grand Palace in Hasankeyf. These bottles are thought to be linked to pre-Christian beliefs and traditions.

The Hasankeyf excavations continue to unveil Türkiye’s rich cultural and ecological history. The discovery of the ceramic fragment adorned with the Anatolian leopard figure is a testament to the region’s biodiversity and artistry, offering invaluable insights for historians and conservationists alike.