3,000-year-old settlement discovered on shores of Ataturk Dam Reservoir

Archaeological teams have unearthed a 3,000-year-old settlement along the shores of the Ataturk Dam Reservoir in Kahta, a district in Adiyaman.

The discovery came as part of a broader project to explore and identify historical sites in the region.

Significant find at Beloren Village

The excavation was led by experts from the Adiyaman Museum Directorate, who initiated the project around the rural area of Beloren village.

Archaeologists conducted extensive surveys both on land and via boats along the reservoir’s shores, where they uncovered 10 ancient settlement areas dating back three millennia.

Insight from museum director

Mehmet Alkan, director of Adiyaman Museum, shared insights on the discovery, stating that the findings were the result of thorough and meticulous fieldwork. “We began our exploration following the receding water levels along the reservoir, and identified 10 settlements, primarily rock formations that served as living spaces,” Alkan noted.

He further explained, “The pottery we found here indicates the presence of people living in these areas thousands of years ago. Our fieldwork also revealed channel-shaped cavities and room-type structures carved into the rock, offering glimpses into the lives of ancient communities.”

Glimpse into past

The discovery of pottery fragments, rock-carved dwellings, and channel systems suggests that the area was once a thriving settlement. The receding water levels of the reservoir have exposed these long-hidden structures, allowing archaeologists to gain new insights into ancient habitation patterns in the region.

This archaeological find near Ataturk Dam, Türkiye’s largest reservoir, highlights the importance of ongoing explorations, especially in areas that may have been submerged or otherwise obscured by water bodies.