Külhöyük excavations reveal ancient Hittite botanical remains

Archaeologists conducting excavations at the 5,000-year-old Hatti and Hittite site of Külhöyük in Ankara's Gölbaşı district have discovered significant botanical remains. Among the findings is a seed from a love flower (sevgi çiçeği) contained within a vessel dating back to the Hittite period.

According to excavation leader Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Yılmaz Tekin of Ankara University, these botanical samples are being analyzed by archaeobotanist Prof. Dr. Emel Oybak Dönmez from Hacettepe University. The discovery of the love flower seed is noted as potentially the oldest known specimen of its kind.

Researchers believe these plant remains may provide insight into Hittite medicine and pharmacology. While the exact purpose of the seed's placement in the vessel is currently unknown, the team is preparing a scientific study to investigate whether such plants were utilized for therapeutic purposes, building upon existing cuneiform evidence regarding Hittite medicinal practices.