Excavations led by American and German teams in Türkiye ongoing for nearly 120 years
Archaeological excavations, which started 118 years ago, continue at the 8,000-year-old ancient city of Hattusa, a UNESCO "World Cultural Heritage" and "Memory of the World" site in Corum's Bogazkale district, Türkiye, August 12, 2024 (AA Photo)
Excavations uncovering Türkiye’s historical depth continue to make significant contributions both nationally and internationally.
Recent advancements at two major ancient sites highlight ongoing efforts to reveal the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
The Sardis Ancient City in Manisa and the Hattusha Ancient City in Corum are just two examples of these notable projects.
Ancient city of Sardis reveals monumental walls dating back 2,700 years
In Manisa’s Salihli district, excavations at the ancient city of Sardis have been ongoing for 120 years.
These excavations, led by Professor Nick Cahill, are bringing to light the monumental walls of the Lydian Kingdom’s capital, dating back approximately 2,700 years.
Prof. Cahill highlights that the walls are 20 meters wide and reach heights of up to 14 meters in some places, an unprecedented scale in Mediterranean and Anatolian civilizations.
A 10-meter section of the walls and surrounding Roman houses have been uncovered. The excavation is meticulously planned to address the risk of erosion due to rain, with the site covered last year to facilitate the work.
Cahill explains that the Lydians built this monumental structure to emulate the great empires of Mesopotamia, reflecting their aspirations for imperial greatness.
118th excavation season begins at ancient city of Hattusha
In Corum’s Bogazkale district, excavations at the ancient city of Hattusha have been ongoing since 1906.
This year marks the 118th excavation season, led by Professor Andreas Schachner from the German Archaeological Institute. Hattusha, known as the capital of the Hittites, boasts an 8,000-year history of significant cultural importance.
Prof. Schachner notes that excavations at Hattusha are always full of surprises. Recent findings, such as a coin from the Iron Age and a lead seal from the Byzantine period, have shed light on the city’s history. Schachner emphasizes that each new discovery helps to reassess previous findings and provides valuable insights into the cultural and historical development of the region.
Ongoing excavations at both sites, led by American and German teams, continue to play a crucial role in preserving and understanding Türkiye’s historical and cultural heritage, contributing to the global cultural record.
