31.12.2025 20:14
An archaeological excavation at the Tadım Castle and Mound in Elazığ has uncovered a stone seal estimated to be 7,500 years old. The seal is believed to be related to ownership, property, or an identity-related element.
News of discoveries is coming in succession from the Anatolian lands that host ancient civilizations. The findings from archaeological and historical research in Elazığ at the Tadım Castle and Mound have astonished researchers. Excavations at the mound have revealed three sacred hearths, Nahçıvan-type black pottery, tools used in daily life, arrowheads, stylized figurines, a single-handled jug with geometric decorations, pottery decorated with mountain goat motifs, and a "bull-headed altar" measuring 160x130 centimeters, dated to the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age, along with a stamp seal used in the exchange of grains.
A FULL 7,500 YEARS OLD
Recently, a stone seal estimated to be 7,500 years old was uncovered during excavations at the castle and mound. The seal is preserved at the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. The restoration, analysis, and publication of archaeological and cultural assets, along with the study and inventory of artifacts uncovered this year, are ongoing throughout the year by the Elazığ Museum Directorate.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STONE SEAL
Governor Numan Hatipoğlu stated that archaeological excavations have been conducted at four different sites in the city this year, including Tadım Castle and Mound, Harput and Palu castles, and Salkaya village.
Hatipoğlu noted that during the excavations at Tadım Castle and Mound, they initially obtained findings from the upper layers dating back to the Ottoman, Seljuk, Roman, Byzantine periods, and as far back as 3500 BC, adding that as they dug deeper, the findings traced the city's history back to the Neolithic Age.
Hatipoğlu said, "Among the findings we discovered in Tadım Village, a stone seal was uncovered that we had not encountered before in the city. This seal is considered to be related to ownership, property, or identity. Studies regarding this are ongoing. This is a finding that indicates civilization in our region dates back to around 7500 BC. All these findings show us that Elazığ has been a settlement center since ancient times."
EXPANSION OF THE EXCAVATION AREA IS PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR
Hatipoğlu mentioned that the historical mosaic depicting animal figures uncovered during excavations in Salkaya village, along with the Roman Bath detected 70 meters to the south using underground imaging radar, adds value to the city's historical richness, and stated that they plan to expand the excavation area there next year based on the georadar results.
Hatipoğlu explained that they plan to create a rest area, waiting area, parking lot, and sales areas along the Pertek highway to increase public interest and engagement in this area, thus facilitating visits to the historical mosaic.
He expressed that they plan to carry out such works as the Provincial Special Administration for the year 2026, emphasizing that a culvert for access from the parking lot to the mosaic area is also being considered.
A WALL WAS UNCOVERED IN THE SAME AREA
In Palu Castle, it was reported that a garrison dating back to the Ottoman period was uncovered during excavations that began at the summit. Hatipoğlu continued his remarks: "With the landscaping we have done here, the cleaning of rock tombs and their partial opening for visits have been achieved. We believe that as we dig deeper in Palu Castle, we will obtain more significant and beautiful archaeological results for our province. Additionally, a 50-meter-long fortress wall from the Urartian period was uncovered in the same area, which is very special and important in terms of its integrity. The findings revealed in the excavations show how rich Elazığ is in terms of culture and civilization. Our excavations at Harput Castle continue regularly. We will rebuild the Conquest Mosque here. Furthermore, the realization of a welcome center in cooperation with the Fırat Development Agency and our municipality is one of our goals for 2026."