Archaeological excavations have resumed in the ancient city of Bathonea, a site dating back to the 8th and 11th centuries, uncovering remarkable finds ranging from Viking relics to evidence of an Umayyad siege.
This summer, a team of researchers led by Professor Şengül Aydıngül resumed excavations at the site, located in Istanbul’s Avcılar district, focusing on what was once a customs building— a structure with significant historical importance beyond its economic role.
Aydıngül and her team have discovered evidence suggesting that the building was destroyed in 680 A.D. during an Umayyad attack on Istanbul. “Discovering the first signs of this siege here has been a breakthrough,” she explained. “It adds a new dimension to our understanding of the region’s history.”
Bathonea has long been recognized for its archaeological significance, earning a spot on the “Top Ten of the World’s Most Important Archaeological Discoveries” list. Since excavations began in 2009, the site has revealed layers of history, including traces of earthquakes and early Christian symbols, such as a Viking amber cross and an Ouroboros necklace, symbolizing Ragnar Lodbrok. These artifacts connect Bathonea to the broader narrative of early European history.
“We are working in an area where various cultures have converged over millennia. Our ongoing excavations have revealed structures that date back at least 200 years and are expected to yield more valuable information,” said Professor Ömer Faruk Çelik, vice-rector of Kocaeli University. The team, which includes international and local experts, such as those from Poland, has been working throughout the summer to explore the site more deeply. “The collaboration of archaeologists from Poland and Türkiye is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in preserving our shared cultural heritage,” Polish Ambassador to Türkiye Maciej Lang stated during his visit to the site.
Among the findings are monumental structures, including a giant cistern with a 7,000 cubic meter capacity and evidence of a Roman-era martyr’s gravesite, later transformed into a Christian basilica.
“The tomb was built for a man who was declared a saint. It is an extremely elaborate structure with its distinctive plan and mosaics on the floor,” Aydıngül explained. “We are working to restore this structure within the scope of the ‘Heritage for the Future Project’ and aim to open it to visitors as soon as possible.”
Aydıngül also noted that the first traces of the Umayyad siege of Istanbul were found in the structure identified as the customs building during the excavations. “So far, we have identified two large ports. We named one the Great Port and the other the Small Port. Additionally, Istanbul’s oldest and largest cistern from that period is located here. There are also a few monumental structures, including an ancient hospital where numerous medicine bottles and materials for medicine-making were found,” she added.
