Ancient city to rise in SE Turkey area cleared of mines

Published April 1, 2011 |

The 7,000-year-old ancient city of Karkamis, which lies within a military area in the southeastern province of Gaziantep, has been cleared of mines. The excavations in the town are set to begin this year with archaeologists from Italy and Japan

Ancient city to rise in SE Turkey area cleared of mines Excavations will begin this year in the ancient city of Karkamis following the removal by hand of 1,200 landmines from the area, located in the southeastern province of Gaziantep, close to the Syrian border.

The city, which dates to 3000 B.C., is thought to be the place where the world’s first written peace treaty, the Treaty of Kades between Ramses II and Hattusili III, was signed. Coins and historical artifacts already found there have not yet been catalogued but have been handed over to the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

Archaeologists from Italy and Japan are set to begin excavations this year in the ancient town.

Chris Rivait

Chris loves history and hopes that Yesteeyear becomes a place where everyone can share their history knowledge. Chris owns an Internet Marketing company, Arrivait Marketing. He has a wonderful wife and four great children.