Archaeological fieldwork is currently underway at the ancient Gevhernik Fortress, situated in the high mountainous terrain of northeastern Turkey, specifically near the town of Ardanuç in Artvin province. During the current research season, excavators brought to light a previously undocumented vaulted chamber located directly beneath the apse of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. This subterranean space measures approximately 2 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width, capped by a sturdy stone vault.
Researchers posit that this newly revealed chamber may serve as the final resting place of Georgian King Ashot I the Great. Ashot I, who ruled in the early 9th century and founded the influential Bagratid dynasty, held the distinguished title of Kuropalates—an honorific bestowed upon him by the Byzantine Empire, recognizing his legitimacy and importance as a sovereign.
Historical documentation lends credence to this hypothesis. The 11th-century medieval Georgian chronicle, "Kartlis Tskhovreba," specifically records that the King was interred within this very church, which sources indicate he commissioned himself. However, definitive confirmation remains elusive, as the chamber has yielded neither human remains nor any associated funerary objects to date.
The excavations are being directed by Dr. Osman Aytekin, a lecturer from the Department of Art History at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, supported by a team of specialists and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. Dr. Aytekin emphasized the significance of the architectural findings, stating: "The structural layout and design of the chamber align perfectly with the accounts found in medieval Georgian sources. While remains are absent, this discovery allows us to validate the historical context and study the era when the medieval Georgian state was taking shape."
Beyond the potential royal tomb, the archaeological team has uncovered evidence pointing to a substantial settlement within the fortress walls. These findings include the remnants of a kitchen complex featuring a traditional tandoor oven, several water cisterns, and various residential structures.
Among the recovered artifacts are numerous ceramic fragments, Byzantine coins dating back to the 11th century, and various stone and metal projectiles. All these items are slated for transfer to the Artvin Museum, where they will undergo further analysis and preservation efforts.
Providing insight into the construction methods, Dr. Turgay Beyaz, a specialist in soil and rock mechanics from the Faculty of Engineering at Pamukkale University, remarked on the impressive scale of the fortress. He noted: "The monumental walls of the castle are constructed from monolithic stones, some weighing up to 10 tons, which were meticulously sourced from local quarries. This clearly demonstrates the advanced level of engineering prowess achieved during the Middle Ages."
Gevhernik Fortress itself boasts a long history, having been established in the 5th century and subsequently fortified significantly by Ashot I during the 9th century. It functioned as the administrative and royal heart of his domain. The ruling elite and their families resided within the inner courtyard, while merchants and affluent citizens occupied the fortified outer section of the city, which included amenities like baths, temples, and fountains.
The current excavation project commenced in 2021 and is projected to continue for at least five additional years. Once research concludes, Gevhernik Castle is expected to transform into a vital cultural and tourist destination for the region. The revelation of the vaulted chamber and other structures offers a fresh perspective on Ardanuç's role in medieval history, reinforcing the connection between written records and tangible material evidence.