Türkiye’s Sardes to unveil Lydia civilization remains for public viewing
UNESCO site to feature newly excavated artifacts and city structures dating back to 12th century B.C.
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Archaeologists are preparing to showcase newly uncovered remains from the ancient Kingdom of Lydia at Sardes, a UNESCO World Heritage site in western Türkiye, marking a significant step in revealing one of Anatolia’s earliest civilizations.
Situated in Manisa’s Salihli district, Sardes was once the capital of Lydia and the birthplace of the world’s first state-minted coins.
According to Daily Sabah, the site is already renowned for its multicultural legacy, including the Temple of Artemis, the largest synagogue from antiquity, a church mentioned in the Gospel of John, and monumental Roman-era baths and gymnasium ruins.
Until now, most excavations at Sardes highlighted Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine layers. Current efforts, however, focus on uncovering deeper Lydia-era structures, dating as far back as the 12th century B.C., as well as evidence of Persian destruction.
Professor Nicholas Cahill of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who heads the excavation team, noted the complexity of reaching Lydia remains beneath centuries of later constructions.
“Roman and Hellenistic structures lie directly above the Lydia cityscape, making excavation extremely difficult,” he said. “This has limited us to only small sections so far.”
Among the findings set for display are a Lydia kitchen containing about 30 ceramic vessels, cooking pots, iron skewers, and a hearth, alongside the skeleton of an elderly resident.
Excavators also unearthed a rare glass production site that manufactured deep red, blood-colored glass—unlike the transparent glass of Greece at the time, and more closely linked to Mesopotamian traditions.
Plans are underway to create a visitor trail descending into an excavation pit, allowing the public to view Lydia’s defensive walls, burnt mudbrick layers, and domestic architecture.
“For the first time, visitors will be able to experience Lydia’s city and culture directly,” Cahill explained, adding that while Sardes has long been associated with Lydia, the remains have never before been presented in a clear and accessible way.
The new exhibits and visitor pathways are expected to open by mid-2026, offering tourists and researchers rare insight into one of the most influential civilizations in Anatolia’s history.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
