1000-year-old industrial site unearthed at Türkiye’s Harput Castle
At the historic Harput Castle in Elazig, which holds traces of many civilizations, a 1000-year-old "industrial site" actively used during the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period is being uncovered. Türkiye, August 28, 2024 (AA Photo)
In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, a 1000-year-old industrial site has been uncovered at Harput Castle in Elazig, Türkiye.
This historic find, which was actively used during the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period, includes iron workshops, metal smelting furnaces and storage areas.
Unique discoveries illuminate Türkiye’s ancient industrial past
The extensive excavation, spanning three years, has revealed a sophisticated industrial complex featuring iron workshops, metal production ovens, and numerous metal artifacts such as molds, ingots, spears, and arrowheads. The site, situated between two towers on Harput Castle’s western walls, dates back over a millennium, highlighting its significant role in Türkiye’s industrial history.
Supported by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Elazig Governorship, and Firat University, the excavation has not only unveiled the site but also restored parts of it for tourism.
Ancient site provides insight into medieval industry in Türkiye
According to professor Ismail Aytac, head of the excavation, the site was first explored in 2014 and reinitiated in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus.
“We’ve identified this area of Harput Castle’s western walls as a vital industrial hub for iron production, including weapons and tools,” Aytac explained.
Among the finds were crates of iron slag, metal ingots, and weaponry, alongside workshops for everyday items like kitchenware and furniture, showcasing a broad spectrum of production activities.
Aytac emphasized that this is the only known 1000-year-old industrial heritage site open to the public in Türkiye. “Currently, Türkiye has no other accessible industrial heritage sites of this age. Therefore, Harput Castle represents a significant tourism asset for industrial heritage.”
The findings also suggest the site was used across various historical periods, including the Byzantine, Artuqid, Seljuk, Dulkadirids, Akkoyunlu, and Ottoman eras. Additionally, the presence of military equipment hints at a nearby armory, which has yet to be located.
