Recent archaeological excavations in Kemerehisar, Turkey, have uncovered underground sections of aqueducts dating back approximately 2,000 years. Once restoration is completed, this historical site will be open to visitors.
Kemerehisar, known as Tuvanuva during the Hittite period and as Tyana in Roman times, has been a significant settlement throughout various civilizations. The ancient city of Tyana, largely buried under modern Kemerehisar, played a crucial role as the capital of the Kingdom of South Cappadocia during the late Roman period.
During the Roman Empire, Tyana developed into a major urban center featuring palaces, temples, and aqueducts. Archaeologists emphasize its importance as a religious hub in both pagan and Christian eras. Osman Doganay, the excavation leader, noted that the ancient city of Tyana could be compared to Ephesus in Anatolia.
“This is the first ancient city encountered in Anatolia after the Gulek Pass, making it a significant site. Due to its location, it has been continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years. The modern municipality of Kemerehisar is built on the site of this ancient city. We began archaeological excavations here in 2016, and in 2024, we continue our work as part of a project by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to prepare the aqueduct for visitors,” Doganay remarked.
According to researchers, the underground sections of the aqueducts, measuring approximately 3-4 kilometers in length and 10-11 meters in height, will be restored to their original grandeur. Constructed during the Roman period, these aqueducts were designed to transport spring water from the ancient Roman basin of Bahçeli to Tyana.
Doganay indicated that the ancient city will be accessible to tourists once restoration efforts are completed. Excavations are currently underway in sections of the aqueducts buried under approximately 3.5 meters of debris resulting from flooding.
“Excavations have revealed a dense layer of groundwater in the city, about 3.5-4 meters thick. Originally, the aqueducts stood at 10-11 meters tall, and their majestic facade was visible immediately after construction. Nearby, there are walls from the Hellenistic period, built earlier, but the area was submerged under 4 meters of water due to flooding. We will share details about the grandeur of these aqueduct structures,” he added.