2,700-year-old cult area found

The secrets of Anatolia are in Osmaniye! A cult area dating back 2,700 years was found in the Kastabala Ancient City.

A historical discovery was made during the excavations carried out in the Kastabala Ancient City in Osmaniye. An expert team from the Çukurova University Archaeology Department unearthed an open-air cult area dating back 2,700 years in the ancient city. A statue base, two cisterns and a workshop area where stones used in temple construction were cut were identified in this area.

Findings dating back to the Archaic Period

The excavations are being carried out under the leadership of Çukurova University Archaeology Department Academic Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faris Demir. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Demir stated that the findings obtained are of great importance in terms of understanding the religious rituals and belief system of the Luwians in the ancient city. Demir said, “We discovered an open-air cult area older than the temple. This area will shed light on the history of Anatolia. The ruins provide important clues about the rituals of the Luwians,” he said.

“Ephesus of Çukurova will be a tourism center”

University Rector Prof. Dr. Turgay Uzun drew attention to the importance of the Kastabala Ancient City for the Osmaniye and Çukurova region and emphasized that the tourism potential of the region will increase even more with these works. Prof. Dr. Uzun said, “Kastabala is known as the Ephesus of Çukurova. When these works are completed, it will become one of the favorite tourism destinations of both our region and our country.” He also stated that the findings obtained from the excavations will bring the historical richness of Anatolia to a wider audience.

Experts stated that the results of the archaeological works will make great contributions to the world of science and announced that new projects are on the way to promote the ancient city. Kastabala Ancient City promises hope for regional tourism with its traces from the depths of history.