Excavations at Tadım Castle and Tadım Mound in the village of Tadım, Elazığ, Turkey, are uncovering important archaeological finds, such as sacred hearths and artifacts, that offer new insights into the deep historical roots of the region.
Led by experts from the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, the ongoing work is revealing layers of civilization stretching back thousands of years.
Rare hearths and pottery reveal prehistoric traditions
Two ancient hearths adorned with bull motifs believed to be about 6,000 years old are among the most striking discoveries.
Archaeologists say the hearths likely held religious meaning and were used in rituals during a time when fire was considered sacred. Once restored, these artifacts are expected to become key exhibits at the Elaziğ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum.
Researchers have also recovered twelve pieces of Karaz pottery dating from 4000 to 3000 B.C., along with a painted pot decorated with mountain goat figures estimated to be from 3200 B.C. Experts say these items provide a closer look at everyday life and symbolic traditions in prehistoric Anatolia.
Layers of civilization found beneath the surface
The site has yielded six cultural layers, revealing continuous human settlement from the Neolithic period through to the Ottoman era.
Tadım Kalesi ve Höyüğü’nde Çıkarılan Eserlerin Restore Çalışmaları ile Tarihe Işık Tutuyoruz!
İlimiz Merkez Tadım Köyü sınırları içerisinde yer alan Tadım Kalesi ve Tadım Höyüğü’nde yürüttüğümüz arkeolojik kazı çalışmalarında, bölgenin tarihine ışık tutacak önemli buluntulara… pic.twitter.com/KgzdKJjIOj
— Numan Hatipoğlu (@numanhatipoglu) March 26, 2025
Traces from the Seljuk, Eastern Roman, Early and Late Iron Ages, and various Bronze Age periods were identified through ceramic fragments, structural remains, and other materials. These findings support the view that Tadım served as an enduring center of life and culture for millennia.
Historical records confirm the regional importance
Historical records further enhance the site’s significance. The village was referred to as Dadíma in 610 by the Byzantine scholar Georgios Kiprios and appeared in Armenian sources from 1628 under the name Tadem.
Historians believe Tadım once served as the administrative center of the 4th Armenian Province during the Byzantine Empire. The village is also thought to have been the capital of the Roman province of Fourth Armenia, located in the ancient region of Sophene.
Governor highlights heritage and tourism potential
Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu announced the discovery of the ancient hearths and artifacts via social media, emphasizing their value in uncovering Turkey’s cultural and historical heritage. His statement brought renewed attention to the site, underlining its potential not only for research but also for tourism.
Thirty-one artifacts from the excavation have been sent to the Diyarbakır Restoration and Conservation Regional Laboratory Directorate for preservation. The items will be restored and then put on public display in Elazığ.
Excavations to continue as weather permits
The excavation, overseen by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, is expected to continue in the coming days, contingent on weather conditions. Archaeologists indicate that the work will enhance the understanding of Anatolia’s ancient civilizations and bolster Elazığ’s reputation as a key archaeological destination.
Officials hope the growing list of discoveries will boost cultural tourism in the area, bringing more visitors to explore the rich and layered history beneath Tadım’s soil.