In a remarkable twist of fate, archaeologists from the Hasankeyf Museum Directorate stumbled upon a hidden treasure trove of history in the rugged cliffs overlooking the Tigris River in the Bağözü village of Batman's Gercüş district in the Southeastern region of Türkiye. The unsuspecting find turned out to be a 3,000-year-old necropolis, shedding new light on the ancient Assyrian civilization and the rich heritage of this region.

The journey to this astonishing discovery began when officials from the Hasankeyf Museum Directorate embarked on a mission to register some caves adorned with ancient paintings in the region. Little did they know that they were about to unearth a wealth of archaeological treasures. To reach the necropolis, they had to trek approximately five kilometers with security guards in tow, adding an air of adventure to their archaeological expedition.

150 Urn Graves, Rock Tombs, and Earthen Graves

In the initial stages of their exploration, archaeologists opened eight trenches, uncovering a necropolis sprawling across an area of about 100 square meters. Within this necropolis, they encountered close to 150 urn graves, rock tombs, and earthen graves, all of which are believed to have belonged to the Iron Age Assyrian civilization, dating back to the first millennium B.C.

What makes this discovery particularly captivating is the diverse range of artifacts that emerged from the urn graves. These items included spears, arrowheads, daggers, knives, swords, and various other tools related to combat and warfare. These remarkable findings provide a glimpse into the culture and practices of the people who lived during the Iron Age in this region.

The Assyrian Cylinder Seal

One of the most significant finds during the excavations was an Assyrian cylinder seal. This seal is expected to offer valuable insights into the history of the region. Notably, there has been a scarcity of historical information about whether the Assyrians ever resided in this part of Türkiye. The discovery of the cylinder seal is a crucial piece of evidence that may help researchers determine the extent of Assyrian presence in the area.

Sehmus Genc, the director of the Hasankeyf Museum and leader of the excavation team, emphasized the importance of the cylinder seal in shedding light on the Assyrians' presence. He remarked, "Among these gifts, we found spears, arrowheads, daggers, knives, swords, and many war tools."

Ongoing Excavations and Preservation

The excavation team, comprising dedicated archaeologists like Metin Ağrak, has been working tirelessly to uncover the secrets buried within the necropolis. Their daily work, beginning at sunrise and concluding in the afternoon, is a testament to their commitment to preserving and sharing this historical treasure. As Ağrak explained, the artifacts unearthed during the excavations are carefully transported to the Hasankeyf Museum Directorate, where they are meticulously cleaned and documented. After this painstaking process is completed, these valuable relics will be exhibited for the public to appreciate.

The unexpected discovery of the 3,000-year-old necropolis in the Cehennem Deresi region is not only a testament to Türkiye's rich historical heritage but also a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the archaeologists who brought this ancient site to light. As the restoration work continues and further analysis takes place in laboratories, we can expect to learn more about the Assyrian presence in this region and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and historical significance of this extraordinary find.

In the heart of Southeastern Türkiye, the past is being unveiled, piece by piece, revealing the stories of the Assyrian civilization and the intricate tapestry of history woven into the cliffs overlooking the Tigris River.