Archaeologists uncover 5,000-year-old storage in western Türkiye

STORY: Archaeologists uncover 5,000-year-old storage in western TürkiyeSHOOTING TIME: Aug. 13, 2024DATELINE: Aug. 14, 2024LENGTH: 00:00:56LOCATION: IZMIR, TürkiyeCATEGORY: SOCIETYSHOTLIST:1. various of Archaeologists conducting archaeological excavations at Yassitepe Mound in Izmir, Türkiye2. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): CELAL SIMSEK, Head of the Archaeology Department at Pamukkale UniversitySTORYLINE:Archaeologists have unearthed a well-preserved 5,000-year-old storage facility during ongoing excavations in Türkiye's western province of Izmir, local media reported on Tuesday.The structure, discovered at Yassitepe Mound in Bornova district, offers new insights into the daily lives and trade practices of ancient inhabitants, according to experts.Zafer Derin, head of the excavation and a faculty member at Ege University, said large pots and jars found inside the storage likely held items such as mussels, grapes, and figs."This find not only confirms the use of storage but also suggests the early development of trade," Derin told Sozcu Daily.Yassitepe Mound is considered one of Western Anatolia's most intact ancient sites and holds substantial tourism potential, according to Derin. Excavations are ongoing to further explore the region's history.Since the start of excavations in 2005, archaeologists have uncovered evidence dating back to the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Bronze Ages. Celal Simsek, head of the Archaeology Department at Pamukkale University, emphasized the site's potential for both tourism and education.SOUNDBITE (Turkish): CELAL SIMSEK, Head of the Archaeology Department at Pamukkale University"Inviting students from various regions, such as China, India, Japan, Europe, Germany, and Britain to work on these archaeological sites will greatly enhance our efforts. Their involvement, along with sharing their experiences and insights upon returning to their home countries, will promote these sites and foster a broader appreciation of our ancient cultural heritage."Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.(XHTV)