Discovery at Gedikkaya Cave
Archaeologists working in northwestern Turkey have uncovered approximately 25 stone turtle figurines inside Gedikkaya Cave. These artifacts, thought to date from the Epipaleolithic period (around 14,500–11,200 BCE), may have been used in ritual activities. The excavation is led by Professor Doctor Deniz Sarı of Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, with a 14-member team carrying out the 2026 campaign on behalf of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Most of the figures are carved from limestone, and some retain a clay coating. Their dimensions and shapes have captured researchers’ attention: the largest measures roughly 30 centimeters by 20 centimeters. Several were found standing upright in the ground near circular or curved arrangements of stones. Radiocarbon dating confirms that the archaeological layers belong to the Epipaleolithic era.
Research at Gedikkaya Cave and Finds in Hattusa
Gedikkaya Cave was previously explored in 1960 and 2001 for geological purposes. Its archaeological significance became apparent in 2017 during a survey of Bilecik Province. Between 2019 and 2023, Bilecik Museum carried out salvage excavations, uncovering signs of human occupation spanning the Epipaleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Hellenistic periods. Earlier work also revealed an Epipaleolithic activity zone about 20 meters inside the cave, where researchers found vertebrae, horns, a raptor’s talon, and fragments of turtle shells.
Separately, archaeologists have identified a storage complex in Hattusa that dates back roughly 3,800 years, placing it in the Middle Bronze Age. That excavation, led by Professor Doctor Andreas Schachner, has yielded 16 large storage jars.
Overall, these findings emphasize both the ritual importance of turtles and the archaeological value of Gedikkaya Cave. In niches within the cave, researchers discovered a stylized stone animal sculpture and two curved stone alignments surrounding a large natural stalagmite, which they interpret as an offering pit or a ritual feature. Such evidence enriches our understanding of how prehistoric communities in this region expressed their beliefs.
The discoveries at Gedikkaya Cave point to the complexity of ritual life among Epipaleolithic hunter-gatherers in what is now Turkey.
The turtle figurines likely had symbolic functions in religious or cultural ceremonies, hinting at a sophisticated social structure and belief system. Studying these artifacts provides valuable insight into the development of human culture and humanity’s enduring relationship with the natural world. Similarly, the Hattusa finds underline the long continuity of human activity in the region, opening fresh avenues for research into ancient civilizations.
The recent discoveries in Gedikkaya Cave not only highlight the ritual significance of turtle carvings but also complement ongoing archaeological efforts in the region. For instance, a nearby excavation in Hattusa has uncovered a storage complex dating back approximately 3,800 years, providing further insights into ancient human activities. To learn more about this fascinating find, visit the recent Hattusa excavation.