Turkey, excavations and restoration at Tadım Kalesi: new finds reveal 6,000 years of history

Archaeological excavations conducted at Tadım Kalesi and Tadım Höyüğü, in the village of Tadım in the Elazığ district of Turkey’s Elazığ province, continue to unearth artifacts of extraordinary importance for reconstructing the past of Anatolia (a peninsular region of Western Asia comprising much of present-day Turkey). The research, conducted by the Elazığ Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, has identified numerous artifacts dating from the Late Chalcolithic andBronze Age periods, offering new insights into the life and beliefs of the civilizations that inhabited the region thousands of years ago. Finds include twelve Karaz pottery vessels dating from 4000-3000 B.C., as well as a painted amphora decorated with ibex motifs, dated around 3200 B.C. Especially outstanding is the discovery of two sacred hearths with taurine decorations, also dating from 4000-3000 BCE. The finds thus shed new light on the religious rituals and social life of ancient Anatolian peoples.

Indeed, it is hypothesized that at a time when fire had a sacred value, such hearths were used for ritual ceremonies and represented a symbol of family unity. Their exceptional preservation allows scholars to deepen their knowledge of the spiritual beliefs and daily practices of prehistoric people in the region. Archaeological research has also revealed six different cultural layers that testify to incomparable settlement continuity. The layers that have emerged belong to different historical periods, including the Neolithic period, the Late Chalcolithic period, the Bronze Age phases (ancient, middle and recent), the Iron Age (early and late), as well as the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras. The wall remains and ceramic fragments found show that the site has been inhabited continuously for thousands of years, serving as a crossroads for different cultures. The archaeological discoveries thus provide a detailed picture of the transformation of the area and the civilizations that followed, helping to rewrite the history of the region.

“We are protecting sacred hearths dating back 6,000 years,” writes Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu via his X account. “The 31 artifacts found during the excavations have been sent to the Regional Directorate of Restoration and Conservation Laboratory in Diyarbakır for restoration and conservation processes. Among these finds, the most striking pieces are two sacred hearths dating back 6,000 years. Once the restoration is completed, we will exhibit these works in the Elazığ Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum and introduce them to our people.”

The Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism announced that excavations at the Tadım Kalesi and Tadım Höyüğü sites will resume shortly, consistent with weather conditions. The team of archaeologists will continue their work with the aim of deepening their understanding of the site and bringing to light new finds that can further enrich the historical picture of the region. The research, in addition to providing valuable information about ancient Anatolia, confirms the value of Elazığ as an important area of archaeological interest. Work in recent years has already led to key discoveries, and prospects for the future promise new revelations about the area’s long history.

Turkey, excavations and restoration at Tadım Kalesi: new finds reveal 6,000 years of history

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