Archaeologists have uncovered around 25 ancient turtle sculptures in northwestern Turkey, dating back approximately 16,500 years. These limestone carvings were found in İn Cave, close to Gedikkaya Hill, and are believed to have been used in ceremonial practices by hunter-gatherer communities at the end of the last Ice Age.
The discovery sheds light on the spiritual customs of prehistoric Anatolian populations, suggesting that these figurines were intentionally placed for ritualistic purposes. The rough craftsmanship of many sculptures indicates they were not merely decorative but served a deeper ceremonial function, possibly linked to ancient beliefs about nature and the landscape.
Interestingly, the turtle imagery may reflect a connection to the natural contours of Gedikkaya Hill, hinting at early forms of landscape veneration. This points to a complex symbolic culture among nomadic groups long before the rise of agriculture and permanent settlements in the region.
As these artefacts undergo further analysis and conservation, they promise to enrich our understanding of the social and spiritual lives of early human communities in Anatolia, revealing a sophisticated engagement with their environment and the rituals that defined their existence.
Source: GB News
