2,100-year-old bird-shaped soldier whistle found at Türkiye’s Oluz Hoyuk excavation
A 2,100-year-old soldier's whistle, made from fired clay and designed in the shape of a bird, found at the Oluz Hoyuk excavation in Amasya, Türkiye, December 23, 2024. (IHA Photo)
A 2,100-year-old soldier’s whistle, shaped like a bird and made from fired clay, has been uncovered at the Oluz Hoyuk excavation in Amasya.
The discovery sheds light on the ancient military practices of the region, believed to date back to the reign of King Mithridates VI, the most powerful ruler of the Mithridatic Kingdom, before the Roman period.
Unique artifact: Not just a simple whistle
According to Professor Sevket Donmez, the head of the excavation and chair of Turkish Islamic archaeology at Istanbul University, this whistle is not just a simple noise-making device. It features four holes, allowing it to produce melodies. This sets it apart from typical military whistles that are usually associated with Roman culture.
Donmez explained, “We believe this whistle is from the first century B.C., during the reign of King Mithridates VI. Such whistles were used in pre-Roman Anatolian kingdoms, not just in Rome.”
Bird-shaped design: Echoes of nature and tradition
The bird-shaped design of the whistle is not surprising, given the region’s rich natural environment. Donmez highlighted that the Oluz Hoyuk area has been home to a lake since the Hittite period, which is known for its abundant bird life.
“The whistle features a bird figure endemic to Amasya, which likely inspired its design. This is consistent with the local tradition of observing and depicting birds on pottery from the ancient period,” he added.
Future preservation of whistle
The soldier’s whistle, which is part of Türkiye’s ongoing “Legacy for the Future,” will undergo cleaning and conservation before being handed over to the Amasya Museum. This effort is part of the larger excavation project that continues to reveal the region’s fascinating history.
This remarkable find not only enhances our understanding of military communication in ancient Anatolia but also provides a glimpse into the everyday life and craftsmanship of the region during the Mithridatic era.
