Roman-Era Border Watchtowers Discovered in Konya

Archaeologists have uncovered 100 watchtowers in Bozdağ National Park, located in Konya’s Karatay district. Built as border posts by the Roman Empire over 2,000 years ago, these towers were later utilized by the Byzantine Empire.

Research indicates that the site served multiple strategic roles over the centuries: it functioned as a military garrison during the Roman period, became a bishopric center in the early Christian era, and emerged as a key trade hub during the Seljuk period.

A Region of Enduring Historical Significance

The ruins, which retained their importance from antiquity through the Islamic period, were excavated by Dr. İlker Işık, Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage Preservation and Restoration at Selçuk University, along with a team of eight researchers.

Dr. Işık emphasized the significance of the site, stating, “Bozdağ National Park, a protected natural area, has been historically and culturally significant since ancient times.”