Türkiye begins excavations at 2,800-year-old Phrygian tumulus

Turkish authorities have begun excavating a 2,800-year-old Phrygian tumulus near Ankara, marking one of the largest archaeological projects in the region. The work started at Tumulus BT10, located within the Western Necropolis in the Bahçelievler-Emek district of Ankara. The site dates back to the Phrygian era, specifically between 800 and 550 B.C., and had remained untouched by previous archaeological investigations. The project is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future” initiative, aimed at uncovering and preserving Turkey’s rich historical legacy. The excavation was announced by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who emphasized its significance in revealing aspects of Phrygian burial customs, daily life, and the broader ancient history of Ankara. According to Ersoy, this effort represents a new phase in exploring the city’s long-standing Phrygian heritage. He shared his comments on the Turkish government’s social media platform, NSosyal, underscoring the importance of the discovery. Tumulus BT10 is situated in the Western Necropolis, an area known for containing multiple burial mounds from the Phrygian period. These tumuli were typically used for burying high-status individuals and often included elaborate grave goods. Previous excavations in the region have uncovered artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and weapons, offering insights into the material culture of the time. However, Tumulus BT10 stands out due to its lack of prior exploration, making it a potentially rich source of new data. The lead archaeologist for the project is Professor Atakan Akçay, whose expertise lies in Phrygian studies. His team will conduct systematic digs to uncover layers of earth and identify any structures or objects buried beneath. The process involves careful documentation, mapping, and analysis to ensure that all findings are preserved and studied thoroughly. The ministry has stated that the site will be protected after the excavation, with plans to develop an archaeological park nearby. This park is intended to serve both as a research facility and a tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in Turkey’s ancient past. Ersoy highlighted the dual goals of the project: to advance scientific understanding of Phrygian civilization and to promote cultural tourism in Ankara. By bringing attention to the city’s prehistoric roots, the ministry hopes to enhance public awareness of Turkey’s diverse historical narratives. The establishment of the archaeological park aligns with broader efforts to integrate heritage sites into urban planning and community engagement initiatives. The Phrygians, an Indo-European people who inhabited central Anatolia before the rise of the Lydian and later Achaemenid Empires, left behind a complex society marked by distinct architectural styles and religious practices. Their influence can still be seen in various parts of modern-day Turkey, particularly in regions like Ankara, where their presence is deeply embedded in local history. The excavation of Tumulus BT10 could yield further evidence of these connections, shedding light on how Phrygian traditions evolved over time. As the dig progresses, researchers anticipate uncovering artifacts that might include ceremonial items, tools, and personal belongings belonging to individuals from different strata of Phrygian society. Such discoveries could help reconstruct the social hierarchy and economic systems of the time. Additionally, the study of human remains, if found, may offer clues about health, diet, and burial rituals practiced by the Phrygians. The project is expected to take several months, with periodic updates provided by the ministry and academic institutions involved. Once completed, the findings will be analyzed and published in scholarly journals, contributing to ongoing discussions in the field of classical archaeology. The results may also inform future conservation strategies for similar sites across Turkey, ensuring that historical treasures are safeguarded for generations to come.