Toprakkale Fortress Excavations Resume in Osmaniye, Türkiye After Earthquake Delays
Excavation and restoration efforts have reignited at Toprakkale Fortress, located in the southern province of Osmaniye, Türkiye, following a hiatus prompted by the catastrophic earthquakes that rocked the region in February 2023. This significant archaeological site is now once again under scrutiny as teams work to uncover its rich historical layers.
Unearthing the Millennia-Old History of Toprakkale Fortress
Toprakkale Fortress, situated in the Toprakkale district, boasts origins that date back to the early second millennium B.C. Initial excavation efforts began in 2022, led by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. However, these endeavors were temporarily halted due to the seismic events centered in Kahramanmaras. With the completion of post-disaster preparations, excavation activities resumed this month, driven by the collaborative efforts of the Osmaniye Museum Directorate and Osmaniye Korkut Ata University.
Academic Leadership Driving Research Goals at Toprakkale
Under the auspices of Associate Professor Irfan Tugcu, head of the university’s archaeology department, the excavation team aims to explore the interrelation of distinct cultural layers and the evolution of settlement throughout the ages. Tugcu noted that the fortress underwent significant reconstruction during the Abbasid period in the eighth century A.D., with indications of both inner and outer settlements surrounding the site. Importantly, he pointed out that while the Abbasid phase is notable, the western slopes of the fortress may reveal remnants of even older communities dating back to roughly 2000 B.C.
Key Objectives of the Excavation Project
The primary goal of the current project is to uncover the robust stratigraphy at Toprakkale Fortress, which will elucidate the extensive history of the site. Furthermore, Tugcu emphasized that the findings will illuminate the process of Ottoman expansion in Anatolia, particularly from the 15th and 16th centuries—a pivotal era during which the region became deeply integrated into the Ottoman Empire, leading to significant cultural changes.
Discovering Artifacts from the Islamic and Ottoman Eras
El-Balad reports that Osmaniye Museum Director Zubeyde Kuru is overseeing the meticulous excavation process, which falls under the framework of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future Project.” Among the recent discoveries are ceramic fragments from the Islamic period dating back to the 12th century A.D., alongside a cannonball and several arrowheads—each offering valuable insights into the military history of Toprakkale Fortress.
A New Cultural Attraction for Osmaniye
Once the excavations and restorations are completed, there are plans to open Toprakkale Fortress to visitors. This initiative aims to enrich the cultural and historical offerings of the region while ensuring the preservation of one of Türkiye’s prominent archaeological sites.
With continued dedication and research at Toprakkale Fortress, Osmaniye stands to gain a significant historical attraction that will draw interest from both scholars and tourists alike.
