Excavations nearing an end in Safranbolu

Tumuli, which were first seen in the Phrygians era in Anatolia, were burial mounds which included the body of a dead person as well as his belongings and gifts. They also symbolized the richness of the dead person with their architecture and length.

The works at the Göztepe Tumulus have been continuing since 2012 and will be finished within a month. 
Four human skeletons and various findings in the 25-meter tumulus will shed light particularly on the Ancient Age era in Safranbolu, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

Safranbolu Mayor Necdet Aksoy said the history of the district was known to date back to 3,000 years ago but the findings might bring them to the 4th century B.C. 

He said they also expected to find the monumental tomb of Alexander the Great, adding, “Our district is famous for its success in protecting and keeping Ottoman era structures. Thanks to this, we host nearly 750,000 tourists. Artifacts that will be unearthed until the work ends will shed light on the history of the district.”

Aksoy said excavations carried out in various periods over the last five years would end soon and only five more meters of digging was needed to reach the tomb. “The tomb will be reached in the coming days,” he added. 

Karabük Provincial Culture and Tourism Director İbrahim Şahin said the outcome of the excavation would make great a contribution to tourism. 

“After the works end, the tumulus and its surrounding will be opened to tourism. The findings are being examined in the Karabük University laboratory and they will be displayed,” Şahin said.