A recent finding by Turkish archaeologists along the Ayvalık coast is shedding new light on a little-known chapter of human history. Research indicates that this section of the northeastern Aegean shoreline may have served as a crucial thoroughfare between Anatolia and Europe millennia ago. Beneath layers of sediment and the modern landscape, researchers unearthed 138 stone implements dating back to various phases of the Paleolithic era. These artifacts, recovered across ten distinct sites spanning approximately two hundred square kilometers, constitute the first documented evidence of Paleolithic activity in this specific region.
The findings, published in the Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, explain that during the Ice Age, global sea levels dropped by more than one hundred meters. This massive regression transformed the contemporary Ayvalık coast into a continuous landmass. At that time, the islands and peninsulas in the area formed a natural bridge, linking mainland Anatolia directly to western territories now submerged beneath the sea. This unique geological phenomenon provided optimal conditions for the movement of ancient populations, offering a fresh perspective on human migration routes into Europe—routes that supplement the traditionally accepted corridors through the Balkans and the Levant.
The archaeological team, spearheaded by Dr. Göknur Karahan of Hacettepe University and Professor Kadriye Özçelik of Ankara University, determined that the majority of the discovered artifacts were manufactured using Levallois technology. This sophisticated method of stone flaking was characteristic of Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens, and its use was widespread from Africa across Eurasia. The assemblage includes hand axes, cleavers, and flakes, which collectively demonstrate the high level of technical and cognitive skills possessed by these early humans. The presence of such finely crafted items in Ayvalık suggests the region was integrated into a broad network of cultural exchange connecting continents.
Researchers noted that the preservation quality of the materials was surprisingly good, despite the intense geomorphological processes and the challenges posed by the sedimentary layers. The initial surface survey, conducted during the Summer of 2022, marked the first step in unlocking the ancient history of the coast. Archaeologists plan subsequent research phases utilizing stratigraphical excavations, absolute dating techniques, and paleoecological reconstructions. These advanced methods will allow them to pinpoint the precise age of the artifacts and accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions of the ancient setting.
Dr. Hande Bulut of Düzce University emphasized that Ayvalık holds significant potential for future archaeological discoveries. She believes the site is poised to become a vital platform for studying the mobility and adaptation strategies of ancient populations. According to Dr. Bulut, even these preliminary results underscore the importance of the region for understanding technological and cultural developments within the Eastern Aegean basin.
In summary, this new discovery does more than just expand the map of the oldest human migrations; it highlights the critical role played by now-submerged landscapes in shaping the pathways through which humanity dispersed across Eurasia. Ayvalık, once connected to Europe by a continuous strip of land, is now becoming a crucial key to deciphering how our ancestors navigated and overcame vast distances.