Ancient City of Savatra Enhances Konya’s Global Recognition

The excavations at the Ancient City of Savatra, led by Assoc. Professor Ilker Işık from Selçuk University’s Faculty of Letters, aim to enhance Konya’s brand value and increase its international recognition.

These excavations, which began in 2021 with permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, are conducted on behalf of Selçuk University. Funded by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality and Karatay Municipality, this important project represents a collaboration between Selçuk University and local governments. After Çatalhöyük — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Ancient City of Savatra hosts the most extensive excavation project in Konya and is on track to become a major tourist destination.

Savatra features kilometers of underground tunnels, mosaic floors, a theater, a large mound, and numerous historical structures yet to be uncovered. This ancient settlement gives Konya a distinctive urban character reminiscent of classical antiquity. Throughout history, Savatra maintained a strategic role, serving as a military garrison during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It also became a stopover point for Turkish soldiers who served as legionnaires in Byzantine armies.

Thanks to joint projects by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Selçuk University, and Karatay Municipality, the Ancient City of Savatra has strong potential to boost Konya’s brand value and international profile.

Notably, the Turkopol (Turkoglu) inscription, which contains one of the earliest mentions of the Turkish name in Anatolia and proves the presence of Turks before 1071, was discovered here. Additionally, Savatra became the new home for Crimean Tatar Turks who fled Russian persecution in the 1890s. Today, the site awaits visitors with its unique blend of ancient heritage and modern reconstruction.