A Remarkable Archaeological Discovery
In a stunning discovery, archaeologists in Turkey’s eastern Van province have uncovered the submerged ruins of a 3,000-year-old castle belonging to the ancient Urartu civilization. The underwater excavations conducted in Lake Van have revealed a remarkable piece of history that was once thought to be lost forever.
The Urartu Kingdom’s Legacy Unveiled
The Iron Age Urartu Civilization
The excavation, led by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University and the Governorship of Turkey’s eastern Bitlis Province, has confirmed that the underwater ruins date back to the Iron Age Urartu civilization, also known as the Kingdom of Van. This ancient kingdom is believed to have flourished between the eighth and seventh centuries B.C.
Defying Skepticism and Making History
Tahsin Ceylan, the head of the diving team, expressed his excitement about the discovery, saying, “There was a rumor that there might be something under the water, but most archaeologists and museum officials told us that we wouldn’t find anything. Nevertheless, we proceeded with the research and discovered the ancient castle.”
Unraveling the Secrets of Van Lake
A Lake with a 6,000-Year History
Van Lake, where the ruins were found, has a rich history spanning over 6,000 years. The current water level of the lake is reportedly several hundred meters higher than it was during the Urartu civilization. Ceylan explained that civilizations living around the lake established large villages and settlements when the water level was low, but they had to abandon the area when it rose again.
Unveiling the Submerged Past
While the research couldn’t determine the full extent of the castle’s walls buried underwater, approximately three to four meters are visible above the water’s surface. Ceylan emphasized the need for further underwater excavations to uncover more details about this ancient structure.
An Exciting Future for Tourism and Archaeology
The discovery of the underwater ruins is expected to attract thousands of tourists due to its unique historical significance. Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey and the second-largest in the Middle East, is also the world’s biggest sodium water lake. With its location on the high grounds of the Eastern Anatolian region near the border with Iran, and its formation from a volcanic explosion of Mount Nemrut, the area holds immense geological and cultural importance.
As archaeologists continue to unravel the secrets of this ancient Urartu castle, the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of more fascinating insights into the rich history and heritage of this region.
