In the rugged Latmos (Beşparmak) Mountains of Turkey, a significant discovery of approximately 8,000-year-old rock paintings has been made. These ancient artworks, found in a location previously unassociated with known rock art sites, have been officially recognized by the Aydın Cultural Assets Protection Regional Board, which has designated the area as a First-Degree Archaeological Site. Bahattin Sürücü, President of the Association for the Protection of Ecosystem and Nature Lovers (EKODOSD), highlighted the importance of this new find, noting its discovery in an area distant from previously identified sites, suggesting a broader geographical distribution of ancient human artistic expression in the region. Sürücü emphasized that the challenging terrain of the Latmos Mountains likely conceals many more undiscovered artifacts, making a comprehensive conservation strategy crucial.
These newly discovered paintings, depicting human figures, offer a unique window into the past of Latmos and are a vital part of Turkey's heritage. Unlike many European Ice Age cave paintings that primarily focus on animals, Latmos art often centers on human beings, relationships, and family structures, providing valuable insights into the social and religious life of early sedentary communities. However, this invaluable heritage faces significant threats from ongoing mining, wind energy, and solar energy projects in the region. Sürücü expressed deep concern regarding the potential impact of these developments, stressing that they should not compromise unique natural and cultural areas like Latmos. The designation as a First-Degree Archaeological Site is a vital step, but continued vigilance and protective measures are essential to safeguard the Latmos Mountains' irreplaceable cultural and natural legacy.