Joint Excavation of the Kultepe-Kanesh Site in T?rkiye
First Participation by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
Collaboration with Ankara University to Uncover Ancient Hittite Civilization
The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage will participate for the first time in the excavation of ancient city ruins in T?rkiye, known as the birthplace of the Hittite civilization.
On August 20, the institute announced that it will jointly conduct an excavation survey of the 'Kultepe-Kanesh site' near Kayseri with Ankara University in T?rkiye, continuing until October 2.
Kultepe-Kanesh was an ancient city that flourished from around 3000 BCE to the Roman era and served as the capital of the Kanesh (Nesha) Kingdom before the Hittite Empire. The upper city housed the royal palace and temples, while the lower city, called the 'Karum,' was a commercial and residential area.
More than 23,500 cuneiform clay tablets unearthed at this site have been recognized for their value by being inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Although the Kultepe-Kanesh site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2014, only 3% of the total area has been excavated so far.
Restored houses of the lower city (Karum) within the Kultepe-Kanesh site [Photo by National Heritage Administration]
This investigation will focus on excavating the southern and eastern areas of the 'Warshama Palace' at the center of the upper city. In May, the institute used underground geophysical surveys and three-dimensional (3D) aerial mapping to identify the locations of archaeological remains in advance. Major artifacts discovered will be digitally recorded and preserved through precise 3D scanning.
The institute also plans to build an international academic network with leading research teams from Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Milan, Okayama University, and others participating in the project. An official stated, "We will continue to participate in research on the Kultepe-Kanesh site to enhance our status as a cultural powerhouse."
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