Recently dug turtle figurines expose ancient ritual heritage

Archaeologists in northwestern Turkey have uncovered approximately 25 limestone turtle figurines at a prehistoric ritual site near Bilecik's İnhisar district. Radiocarbon dating indicates the artifacts date back to between 14,500 and 11,200 BC, placing them within the Epipaleolithic period. The discovery was made during excavations at Gedikkaya Hill and İn Cave, which took place between May 18 and July 18. A 14-member team led by Prof. Deniz Sarı of Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University’s Department of Archaeology conducted the digs. Among the findings, several of the figurines were coated with clay, and the largest measured about 30 centimeters in length and 20 centimeters in width. The excavations built upon earlier efforts. Surface surveys in 2017 first identified potential archaeological materials at the site. Subsequent rescue excavations by the Bilecik Museum occurred between 2019 and 2023. This year’s work revealed the turtle figurines, which significantly expanded understanding of the site’s ritual importance. According to Prof. Sarı, the figurines suggest a deeper ceremonial function than previously assumed. Most of the items appeared to be crafted in a rudimentary fashion, supporting the hypothesis that they were intended for ritual rather than practical use. Prof. Sarı described the placement of the figurines within the cave as part of a deliberate architectural design. She noted that the items were often partially formed or hastily constructed from limestone and inserted into the ground around circular arrangements. These patterns resemble modern practices associated with festivals, such as Hıdırellez, where individuals make offerings and bury written wishes. The spatial layout suggests similar symbolic intent in the past. The research team proposed that the local inhabitants of the Epipaleolithic era might have viewed Gedikkaya Hill itself as resembling a turtle. This perception could have influenced the creation of the figurines, potentially giving rise to what scholars describe as a “mountain cult.” While it is premature to definitively label this a formalized religious practice, the alignment of the figurines with the hill’s shape implies a meaningful connection. Turtle imagery appears frequently in various ancient cultures, particularly in the Natufian culture of the Near East and earlier Upper Paleolithic societies. In many traditions, turtles symbolize longevity and resilience. Prof. Sarı speculated that the figurines may have similarly conveyed these values, serving both spiritual and cultural functions. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of prehistoric rituals and belief systems in Anatolia. They provide insight into how early communities interacted with their environment, using natural features and symbolic objects to structure their social and spiritual lives. The presence of multiple turtle representations reinforces the idea that these creatures held special significance in the region’s ancient history. Further analysis will focus on refining the dating of the figurines and exploring additional layers of the site. Researchers plan to examine other artifacts and structures unearthed during the excavations to build a more comprehensive picture of the site’s role in prehistoric society. The ongoing study aims to uncover more about the rituals practiced by the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago.