For nearly four decades, the ancient Urartian fortress of Ayanis has been a focal point for archaeological exploration, consistently revealing significant insights into a civilization that flourished centuries ago. These ongoing excavations, which began in 1989, have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, painting a vivid picture of the Urartian period. The work at Ayanis, conducted in conjunction with the nearby Garibin Tepe site, offers a comprehensive view of settlements from that era.
Among the most compelling finds are a bronze helmet intricately adorned with mythological figures and a striking architectural revetment plaque, both originating from the Temple of Haldi. These significant pieces are currently featured in the "Golden Age of Archaeology" exhibition in Ankara, drawing attention to the region's rich past. Professor Mehmet Işıklı, who leads the excavations at both Ayanis and Garibin Tepe, underscores the critical role these sites play in understanding Urartian culture. He notes that Ayanis stands as one of the most enduring excavation projects in Urartian archaeology, a testament to the site's depth and the team's dedication. The longevity of archaeological endeavors, as exemplified by Ayanis, is a subject of professional interest, with sites like Ephesus and Hattusa serving as precedents for long-term investigations in Turkey. Professor Işıklı expresses a sustained passion for Ayanis, envisioning the work continuing for potentially hundreds of years, contingent on continued state support and the evolution of archaeological methodologies. The commitment of local authorities and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been instrumental in advancing the project, with plans to open two sections of the temple complex to the public this year.
The Temple of Haldi, a structure dedicated to the chief Urartian deity, has been a particularly fruitful source of remarkable bronze artifacts. The exhibition in Ankara, inaugurated on August 6th with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in attendance, highlights two of these exceptional finds. The Ayanis excavation has also made substantial contributions to the Van Archaeology Museum, which now houses one of the world's most extensive Urartian collections. Thousands of artifacts, cataloged and awaiting further study, are preserved at the museum, with tens of thousands more originating from Ayanis alone.
Ayanis is distinguished by its extraordinary state of preservation. Unlike many other archaeological sites that have suffered from looting and destruction, Ayanis has remained largely intact. The fortress's collapse effectively sealed the Urartian period beneath it, preserving the layers of history in remarkable condition. This preservation has yielded an abundance of information and materials, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 artifacts already recovered. Crucially, the site holds enough buried material to sustain future archaeological work for centuries to come, ensuring that the story of the Urartians will continue to unfold.