Türkiye discovers ancient amphorae linked to World’s oldest shipwreck

Amphorae dating back approximately 4,700 years and believed to belong to the world's oldest shipwreck have been discovered near Kekova Island off the coast of Antalya, Türkiye.

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Türkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism, shared details of the underwater excavations being conducted in Kekova on his NSosyal account, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

“We are bringing to light traces of the world's oldest shipwreck in our Blue Homeland,” Ersoy said, providing further details:

“The amphorae recovered during our underwater excavations in Kekova date back 4,700 years and shed light on the long history of maritime trade along the Anatolian coast. These vessels, believed to have been used to transport olive oil or wine, bear important traces of trade and cultural interaction in the eastern Mediterranean. Clay analyses indicate that the amphorae were probably produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley. Similar examples found in Egypt, Troy and Crete are highly significant for understanding the trade networks that connected different regions by sea. One of the discoveries that stands out is an amphora bearing nine different markings and two holes in its body. This vessel may have been used as a churn to produce cheese or butter, offering clues that sailors might have made their own food during long voyages.”

Ersoy stressed that Türkiye would continue to shed light on Anatolia's maritime history through new discoveries while protecting its underwater cultural heritage and preserving it for future generations. He congratulated Associate Professor Hakan Öniz, who is overseeing the scientific aspects of the excavations, and everyone involved in the project.

Photo: Instagram/mehmetersoytr