Kültepe Mound – Area 05

The research conducted by the Italian mission is concentrated in an important area of the urban centre, in the south-central part of the site (Area 05), where Turkish excavations have identified the presence of a monumental complex of public buildings dating to the late 3rd –  early 2nd millennium BC, standing around a large square paved in stone.

The first PAIK investigations, which aimed to document in detail the Bronze Age and Iron Age occupation sequence, brought to light a series of architectural structures mostly dating to 1st millennium BC phases, including a well-preserved stone building inside which a considerable amount of pottery and other objects was found.

Aerial view of the south-eastern part of the site excavated by PAIK. ©Kültepe Excavations Archive

Iron Age building in Kültepe Area 05. ©Kültepe Excavations Archive

Pottery vessel from the Iron Age building in Kültepe Area 05. ©Kültepe Excavations Archive