6000 years old unique sacred hearth unearthed at Tadım Mound in Eastern Turkey

Elazığ, located in eastern Turkey, has yielded a significant archaeological discovery at Tadım Mound, where ongoing excavations have unearthed two unique decorated sacred hearths dating back 6,000 years. Alongside these hearths, the excavation team also found 12 Karaz pots dating from 4000-3000 BC and a painted pot decorated with mountain goat motifs from 3200 BC.

Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu shared details of the excavations and finds at Tadım Mound, also known as Tadım Castle, on his social media account:

The excavations, conducted by the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, have revealed numerous artifacts from the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages. Among the findings are the 12 Karaz pots from 4000-3000 BC, the painted pot with mountain goat decorations from 3200 BC, and the two unique sacred hearths adorned with bull motifs, also from 4000-3000 BC. These 6,000-year-old sacred hearths offer valuable insights into the region’s religious beliefs and social life. In ancient times, when fire was considered sacred, these hearths are believed to have been used in religious rituals and to symbolize the family.

A total of 31 artifacts from the excavations have been sent to the Diyarbakır Restoration and Conservation Regional Laboratory Directorate for restoration and conservation. The most notable pieces are the 6,000-year-old sacred hearths. Once the restoration process is complete, these artifacts will be displayed at the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum for public viewing.

The discovery of six distinct cultural layers at the excavation site, spanning the Ottoman, Seljuk, Eastern Roman, Early-Late Iron Age, Late-Middle-Early Bronze Age, Late Chalcolithic, and Neolithic periods, highlights the region’s continuous settlement over thousands of years. The wall remains and ceramic pieces found in these layers demonstrate the strategic importance and rich cultural heritage of Tadım Mound.

Anatolian Archaeology