Archaeologists have uncovered a 6,000-year-old temple in eastern Turkey’s Elazığ Province, revealing one of the earliest known ritual sites with a blood channel in the Upper Euphrates region.
The discovery was made in the village of Tadım during ongoing excavations at Tadım Höyüğü, a mound 115 feet (35 meters) tall and stretching approximately 690 by 525 feet (210 by 160 meters). Experts say the structure dates to the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age and provides rare insight into early spiritual and communal life.
Excavation reveals blood channel and altar
The excavation is led by the Elazığ Museum Directorate and overseen by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Researchers believe the mound once served as both a religious center and a thriving settlement.
Elazığ’da Tadım Kalesi ve Höyüğü’nde yürütülen arkeolojik kazılarda 6 bin yıllık tapınak alanı gün yüzüne çıkarıldı. pic.twitter.com/12Nrv6GyBl
— Hürriyet.com.tr (@Hurriyet) July 15, 2025
In two sections of the site, teams unearthed a large temple complex that included a stone altar with deep knife marks and a narrow blood channel where remains of humans and animals were found. Archaeologists say the features suggest that ritual sacrifices were carried out thousands of years ago.
Offerings, hearth, and sacred artifacts uncovered
Nearby, four raised platforms were discovered, likely used for offerings. They also found a central hearth believed to hold spiritual importance. These elements suggest that the temple played a key role in the community’s religious practices.
📍 Elazığ’da yer alan Tadım Kalesi ve Höyüğü kazılarında bulunan 6000 yıllık 2 kutsal ocağın restorasyonu tamamlandı.
MÖ 4000-3200 yıllarına tarihlenen ocaklar, üzerlerindeki stilize insan ve boğa figürleriyle dikkat çekiyor. Yapılan açıklamada restorasyonun Elazığ Kültür ve… pic.twitter.com/AuJHoTWmVA
— arkeolojihaber ® (@arkeolojihaber) April 23, 2025
Artifacts recovered from the site offer clues about daily life and external connections. Pottery resembling that of ancient Nakhchivan was unearthed, along with seal stamps thought to be linked to farming and trade. Stone tools, arrowheads, and spindle whorls used in textile production were also uncovered.
One of the most notable finds was a set of figurines made from stone, clay, and bone. Experts believe these objects may have held symbolic meaning or been used in rituals.
Evidence of early urban planning
Excavation leader Ergün Demir said the buildings were constructed with stone bases and mudbrick walls—materials that helped protect against weather and potential threats. He added that the close arrangement of the buildings reflects early attempts at planned urban living.
“This period marks the beginning of more organized settlements in the region,” Demir said. “The evidence from Tadım shows not only religious practices but also early signs of social complexity and economic activity.”
Site offers rare view into prehistoric life
Tadım Höyüğü is now seen as one of the most significant archaeological sites in eastern Turkey. Its location near the Euphrates River made it a cultural crossroads between Mesopotamia and Anatolia.
Elazığ’s Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, Ahmet Demirdağ, described the find as historic. “This is the first known temple site in the region,” he said. “The findings give us a rare glimpse into life here 6,000 years ago.”
Additional excavations are underway at Harput Castle, Palu Fortress, and Salkaya Village, as part of a wider effort to document and preserve Turkey’s ancient heritage.
