Ancient 14,500-year-old burial structure discovered in Türkiye

In the Direkli Cave, located in Dongel Village, Onikisubat district of Kahramanmaras, a burial structure estimated to be approximately 14,500 years old has been uncovered.

This find provides significant insights into the region’s historical depth.

Unique burial structure unearthed

Since 2007, excavations in the cave led to the discovery of four burial sites, with the most recent find being a rectangular grave that dates back around 14,500 years. This new discovery stands out as the fourth burial site unearthed in the cave.

According to Assoc. Prof. Merih Cevdet Erek, head of the Direkli Cave excavation and a faculty member of the Archaeology Department at Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University, this year’s excavation revealed a burial structure that deviates from the previous findings.

Erek highlighted that the newly discovered grave, found at the 11th archaeological level, is distinctive due to its rectangular shape, unlike the typically round or oval graves of the period.

The new burial is characterized by its rectangular shape, surrounded by stone blocks arranged at right angles.

Unlike the conventional cenotaph graves, this structure features a body laid on its back in a linear orientation.

Erek pointed out that such rectangular graves are rare for the era, which usually saw the use of oval or round graves for the deceased laid in a fetal position.

Meticulous excavation work

Erek emphasized the meticulous nature of the excavation work, noting that the team performs nearly millimeter-level excavations and records every archaeological material with precision.

This careful approach ensures that each find is documented thoroughly, including photographic and drawn records, to provide robust evidence for future generations.

The discovery underscores the historical significance of the cave and highlights the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of the region.