Ancient clues reveal 4,200-year-old climate change in Anatolia
Archaeological excavations at Kultepe Kanis-Karum, which date Kayseri’s history back 6,000 years, continue to unearth significant findings, Türkiye, Jan. 26, 2025. (IHA Photo)
The archaeological site of Kultepe Kanis (Kanesh)-Karum, known as the birthplace of Anatolian history, continues to shed light on the region’s ancient past.
Recent excavations in 2024 have revealed findings that confirm climate changes in Anatolia 4,200 years ago, aligning with similar events recorded in northern Syria and Mesopotamia.
The excavation team, led by Professor Fikri Kulakoglu, has unearthed new evidence suggesting that the climatic shifts observed in Mesopotamia during the same period also had an impact on Anatolia.
Speaking about the discoveries, Professor Kulakoglu stated: “Our findings match studies conducted in Syria and Mesopotamia. This allows us to confirm that the climate changes seen in northern Syria 4,200 years ago also affected Anatolia. With this, we have achieved our research objectives.”
Landmark excavation with decades of discoveries
Kultepe-Kanis-Karum, located along the Kayseri-Sivas highway, has been an active archaeological site for 76 years. The 2024 excavation season, carried out under the auspices of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism with support from the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, has proven to be particularly revealing.
Describing the latest season, Professor Kulakoglu remarked: “Kultepe-Kanis is one of the longest-running excavations in the world. It has provided insights not only into Anatolian history but also into the broader ancient world. We began this season earlier than usual in June and continued uninterrupted for nearly six months. Our work serves as a reference for understanding Anatolia’s past.”
Assyrian merchants and significance of Kultepe
One of the most fascinating aspects of the ongoing research is the role of Assyrian merchants in Anatolia’s development. Findings indicate that Kultepe was already an important urban center before the arrival of Assyrian traders, which played a key role in attracting commercial activity.
“Our research focuses on the pre-Colony Age period, analyzing the conditions in Kultepe and Anatolia before and after the arrival of Assyrian merchants,” explained Professor Kulakoglu.
“Each year, we uncover more evidence proving that Kultepe was a thriving and significant city long before the Assyrians arrived.”
These findings not only deepen our understanding of ancient Anatolian trade networks but also provide crucial insights into the historical climate shifts that shaped civilizations across the region. As excavations continue, Kultepe-Kanis-Karum remains one of the most significant sites for uncovering the origins of Anatolian history and commerce.
