Karahöyük Excavations Unveil Turkey's 3000 BC Heritage

Karahöyük is an ancient mound located about 7 km southwest of Konya’s city center. The settlement on this mound spans approximately 1,000 by 500 meters. Although the initial archaeological excavations began in 1953 under Prof. Dr. Sedat Alp, these early digs are among the first scientific excavations in Turkey's history.

The excavations revealed that the primary soil layer was reached at a depth of 29 meters, indicating a significant fill layer below. Before these excavations, there was limited information about the Hittite Age (Middle Bronze Age) and earlier Early Bronze Age in the Konya region. The systematic research conducted at Karahöyük has illuminated an important area of Ancient Anatolia's history.

Today, Karahöyük is recognized as a major site in Ancient Anatolia. The excavations have uncovered 27 historical layers, with settlement dating back to 3000–2000 BC, a period when Assyrian colonies traded with Anatolia. This makes Karahöyük a crucial trade hub of its time, also serving as a center for the Phoenicians, who controlled Mediterranean trade and reached central Anatolia. The mound features the remains of trading houses and shops, reflecting the vibrant commercial life of that era.

One of the most significant discoveries at Karahöyük is the collection of baked clay seals with impressions, now on display at the Konya Archaeological Museum. These artifacts indicate that writing was in use in Anatolia during these early periods and highlight the extent of trade and cultural interactions of the Karahöyük people. The finds at Konya Karahöyük reveal it was a major center of civilization during the Hittite and pre-Hittite periods.

In addition, a large and impressive city wall has been uncovered outside the mound. This structure, including guard rooms, front walls, and towers, is the oldest known Hittite city wall in Anatolia and represents the most advanced defense technology of its time.