Bilecik cave excavation reveals 14,000-year-old turtle figurines

Archaeologists conducting excavations at the In Cave and Gedikkaya Hill in the Inhisar district of Bilecik, Turkey, have discovered approximately 25 turtle figurines. The artifacts, made of limestone and some coated in clay, date back to the Epipaleolithic period, specifically between 14,500 and 11,200 BCE, according to Carbon-14 testing.

The excavation was led by Professor Deniz Sarı from Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The findings suggest the cave served as a significant cult and ritual site rather than just a shelter. The figurines, the largest being 30 centimeters long and 20 centimeters wide, appear to have been crudely or amateurishly shaped, which researchers believe indicates they were created for ritualistic purposes rather than as decorative art.

Researchers noted that the figurines were found planted in the ground around circular architectural structures, drawing parallels to modern votive traditions. One hypothesis suggests that Epipaleolithic people may have perceived Gedikkaya Hill as having a turtle-like form, potentially leading to the development of a “mountain cult.” The artifacts have been transferred to the Bilecik Museum for further study and restoration.