12.06.2026 19:42
During field studies conducted in the Tohma Canyon of Malatya, a prehistoric cave was discovered, containing nearly a hundred human and animal figures and geometric symbols, believed to date back to the Neolithic Period. Experts state that the cave holds great significance for world cultural heritage.
An exciting development that will shed light on Anatolia's prehistoric past has occurred. During field surveys conducted in the Tohma Canyon in Malatya, one of the region's oldest and richest painted caves was discovered. Initial examinations identified nearly a hundred human and animal figures, along with numerous geometric symbols, on the cave walls. Experts state that this discovery could be a major milestone for world cultural heritage.
HUGE RESEARCH TEAM FROM THREE UNIVERSITIES
The remarkable discovery was made by an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Levent İskenderoğlu, a faculty member of the Painting Department at İnönü University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design. The research group, which includes academics from İnönü, Istanbul, and Fırat Universities, encountered these unique cave paintings during surface surveys in the Tohma Canyon.
THOUSANDS OF YEARS OF MYSTERY: LAYERS OF HISTORY
Stating that the figures drawn in red and reddish-brown tones have a symbolic narrative language, Dr. Levent İskenderoğlu expressed that these works will illuminate the early mental world of humanity. İskenderoğlu, who said the cave can be cautiously dated to the Neolithic Period, drew attention to these details:
"Here, we are faced with a surface understanding where layers are added on top of each other and reinterpreted in different periods. The intersection of lines and stylistic differences indicate that the cave was used by different communities for thousands of years. The blending of human and animal depictions with geometric symbols points to a possible belief system or ritual area."
ONE OF ANATOLIA'S RICHEST CAVES
It is stated that the cave is a candidate to become one of the most important painted caves ever found in Turkey. Compared to Turkey's most well-known historical examples such as Antalya Beldibi, Latmos on the Aydın-Muğla border, and Mersin Doğu Sandal Cave, it is emphasized that this new area in the Tohma Canyon has a much richer content in terms of figure density and subject diversity.
WARNING TO TREASURE HUNTERS: THERE IS NO GOLD HERE
The research team also unfortunately encountered traces of recent damage in the cave. Issuing a stern warning against the risk of illegal excavations and treasure hunters in the region, Dr. İskenderoğlu also called on authorities:
"I address treasure hunters: You will not find gold or valuable items here. There are only traces of human history here. Such interventions cause irreversible losses. Please do not damage this cultural heritage. We expect authorities to put the area under protection as soon as possible."
Laboratory analyses and inventory recording studies are continuing at full speed to determine the exact age and technical characteristics of the cave. It was announced that the initial evaluation report will be submitted to the relevant conservation board shortly.