The excavations carried out under the scientific consultancy of Prof. Dr. Mehmet Işıklı, a faculty member of the Archaeology Department of Atatürk University Faculty of Letters, created great excitement in the archaeological field. In the archaeological excavations carried out in Garibin Hill in the Tuşba district of Van, a basalt stone statue weighing approximately one ton belonging to the Urartian period was unearthed.

The excavation, carried out with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and under the presidency of the Van Museum, was concentrated on the southern part of the hill this year. The excavation team carried the statue, which is 2 meters long and 1 meter wide and has a broken neck area, to the Van Museum to be restored. Prof. Dr. Işıklı stated that this monumental work is a very striking example of Urartian plastic art and that this is the first time they have come across such a monumental, three-dimensional statue.

Işıklı: “The Anatolian geography, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, also contains a great treasure in terms of historical artifacts. It is quite possible to come across a historical relic in every excavated place. This statue, which was unearthed as a result of the excavations we conducted in Van, also excited us a lot. I believe that the excavations will unearth new artifacts that will shed light on the past," he said, emphasizing the importance of this find.

Prof. Dr. Işıklı stated that more information about the statue will be obtained after detailed examinations, and said, "We are excitedly waiting to figure out what this statue means and which figure it represents. This work, which has great importance in terms of Urartian plastic art, will be further evaluated with the cooperation of our university and the Van Museum."

Atatürk University Continues Its Work to Protect Its Cultural Heritage

Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu stated that the role of the university in such projects is critical, and said: "As Atatürk University, we undertake the mission of protecting our country's cultural heritage with the support we provide to archaeological studies and our scientific contributions. Our position in the field of higher education is of great importance in terms of encouraging scientific research and contributing to society," he said.

Rector Hacımüftüoğlu, who stated that this find in Garibün Tepe will have an important place both in the world of archaeology and in the scientific mission of Atatürk University, added that these works, which are valuable both academically and culturally, are of great importance in carrying Turkey's historical heritage to the future.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE - 01.11.2024