The Sumela Monastery, which was built in the 4th century A.D. in the northern province of Trabzon’s Maçka district, is rushed by some 600,000 tourists annually, and a new lift system has been planned to help give them easier access to the monastery’s amazing location. Link

The latest findings discovered during excavations on Kaymakçı Hill in Manisa’s Gölmarmara Lake basin have aroused excitement in the archaeological world, including one that even overshadow the famous city of Troy. “This area is four times larger than the ancient site of Troy in Çanakkale and the largest late Bronze Age settlement that has been found in the Aegean region." Link

Excavation work has started for the summer season at one of the six largest cities of the Lycian Union, the ancient city of Xanthos, located in the southern province of Antalya’s Kaş district. The ancient site has entered the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List along with 15 other historical artifacts. Link

Excavation and restoration works at the Hoşap Castle in the eastern province of Van’s Gürpınar district, have revealed 250-year-old cheese. Works have been carried out in the castle, which was built in the 16th century on the foundation of an Urartian castle and served as a palace for many years, by a team of people from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University’s department of Art History. Link1 Link2

A mosaic that has been unearthed during excavations in the ancient city of Olba in the southern province of Mersin’s Silifke district has been removed in 16 different panels and placed under protection. According to a statement made by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, the mosaic was found by a Gazi University team headed by Professor Ayşe Emel Erten. Link

The recent excavations in the ancient city of Ephesus, located in İzmir, have revealed significant historical data, according to the statement by the head of excavations, Sabine Ladstaetter. Contrary to general belief the city was ruined during Turkish raids, the Ephesians and Turks actually lived together in the city for many years and the life in the ancient city did not end in the 7th century but continued until 14th century. Link

A Byzantine-era chapel dating back to the 10th century has been unearthed by the Nilüfer Hatun Almshouse and Extension Construction and Environmental Project in the northwestern province of Bursa’s İznik district. Link

The 300-year-old Armenian monastery of Surp Astvatsatsin (Tomarza Monastery) has completely deteriorated in the Tomarza district of Turkey’s central Anatolian Kayseri province, with merely a few ruined walls remaining. The monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is situated in Kayseri’s Cumhuriyet neighborhood. Link

The world famous historical rock tombs of Dalyan become more damaged as tourists continue to sit on them while taking photos despite warnings. With a new decision, the tombs will now be surrounded with wire fences. Link

After 2700 years the walls of Urartu Castle have been unearthed in the Ayanis neighborhood of the eastern province of Van. Excavations at the Urartu Castle site, situated 38 kilometers from Van, have been ongoing for 25 years, leading to new discoveries every day. After the discovery of the temple, this year the walls, a defining part of the castle, have been unearthed. Link