Türkiye, often hailed as the cradle of civilization, continues to astonish the world with its archaeological riches. In 2024, a series of groundbreaking discoveries illuminated the country's multifaceted history, spanning millennia and diverse cultures. Here’s a closer look at these remarkable findings:

1. A Glimpse Into Prehistory: 12,000-Year-Old Shaman Burial in Mardin
In the ancient site of Çemka Höyük, Mardin, archaeologists unearthed the burial of a shaman, dating back 12,000 years. The remains of a woman aged 25–30 were accompanied by symbolic artifacts, including a wild ox skull, a partridge wing, and the leg of a marten. These items hint at rituals steeped in mysticism and early spiritual practices.

In the same time, an underwater excavation near Antalya's Kumluca district uncovered a 3,600-year-old bronze dagger with silver rivets. Experts believe this dagger, linked to the Minoan civilization of Crete, sheds light on ancient maritime connections between Anatolia and the Aegean.

2. Tiny Lives, Timeless Rituals: Infant Burials in Konya
At the ancient city of Savatra in Konya, researchers discovered infant skeletons buried in clay pots. This rare burial practice, dating to the Early Roman Empire and Late Antiquity, suggests rituals with potential religious significance. Associate Professor İlker Işık of Selçuk University led the excavation that provides a poignant glimpse into life and loss in antiquity.

3. Echoes of the Paleolithic: 450,000-Year-Old Artifacts in Mardin
The Ulukoy Cave in Mardin’s Gurs Valley revealed tools and bones dating back an astonishing 450,000 years. The Yabrudian stone tools discovered here highlight cultural exchanges between Southeast Anatolia and Africa during the Paleolithic Age, opening a new chapter in human migration studies.

4. Everyday Life in Ancient Rome: Chamber Pots in Assos
Excavations at Assos Archaeological Site in Çanakkale uncovered ceramic chamber pots from 1,700 years ago. These artifacts provide a window into the domestic lives of Late Roman society, showcasing their practicality and ingenuity.

5. A Monumental Stage: 2,400-Year-Old Theater in Alexandria Troas
The coastal village of Dalyan in Çanakkale yielded a spectacular find: a 2,400-year-old theater capable of seating 12,000 spectators. This architectural marvel underscores the cultural vibrancy of Alexandria Troas, an important ancient city with deep Hellenistic roots.

6. The Strength of Stone: Urartian Statue in Van
In Van’s Tuşba district, archaeologists uncovered a nearly one-ton basalt statue from the Urartian period. This striking piece of art adds to our understanding of the artistic and cultural expressions of this ancient kingdom, known for its impressive stone craftsmanship.

7. Ancient Rituals Revealed: Phrygian Sites at Midas Castle
Excavations at Midas Castle unearthed 2,800-year-old Phrygian ritual sites, ovens, and hearths. These discoveries, dating to the 7th century BCE, offer insights into the religious practices and daily lives of the Phrygian people, celebrated for their rich mythology and craftsmanship.

8. Gladiator Games in the West: Arena at Mastaura
A nearly 2,000-year-old Roman gladiator arena was discovered in Mastaura, western Türkiye. Capable of seating up to 20,000 spectators, this arena is a testament to the region’s Roman influence and its role as a hub for entertainment and social gatherings in antiquity.

9. The World’s Oldest Bread: 8,600-Year-Old Loaf in Çatalhöyük
Archaeologists at Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic settlement in central Türkiye, discovered bread baked 8,600 years ago. This remarkable find, the oldest known bread to date, offers a deliciously tangible link to early human diets and culinary practices.

10. Painted Stories: Hittite Hieroglyphs in Hattusha
The discovery of painted Hittite hieroglyphs in the Yerkapı tunnel of Hattusha provided fresh insights into the art and writing of the Hittite Empire. These hieroglyphs enrich our understanding of the symbolic language of one of Anatolia’s greatest ancient civilizations.

From prehistoric tools to ancient theaters and Neolithic bread, these discoveries highlight Türkiye’s unparalleled role in human history. Each artifact and site contributes to a richer narrative of the civilizations that shaped our world.

Türkiye continues to inspire awe, proving that its ancient past still has many secrets waiting to be uncovered.