In the ongoing excavations at Oymaağaç Mound, located in the Vezirköprü district of Samsun, archaeologists have unearthed 27 cuneiform tablets that shed light on the Hittite sacred city of Nerik.

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Archaeology Department faculty member and Deputy Head of the Oymaağaç Excavation Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yılmaz told AA reporters that they have made significant discoveries during the 19-year-long excavation work at Oymaağaç Mound.

Yılmaz noted that the excavations, conducted with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, are carried out with contributions from Uşak University and Ondokuz Mayıs University, as well as support from Samsun Governorship, Vezirköprü District Governorship, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, and Vezirköprü Municipality.

“We are talking about a settlement that dates back approximately 6,000 years”

Highlighting that the excavations, which started in July this year, are planned to continue until November, Yılmaz stated, "This site is known as the sacred city of Nerik, belonging to the Hittites. The earliest settlement dates back to the Chalcolithic period, approximately 6,000 years ago. It experienced a prosperous period during the Early and Late Bronze Ages. The settlement continued through the Iron Age, and in its final phase, it was used as a burial site during the Roman period."

Yılmaz added that this year's work is focused on a large flat area northwest of the mound, where the Iron Age architecture stands out. He continued:

"We can talk about wooden architecture here. We are excavating an area where buildings were constructed using the 'çatı technique,' a known architectural style in the region, where logs are stacked horizontally (a traditional method used in forested areas). Every year, we uncover significant finds; this year was no exception. Many discoveries have been made that support Nerik's claim. Among the most important are cuneiform documents, and this year's work has yielded more evidence. These findings will be meticulously prepared for publication and reported to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Additionally, uncovering previously unknown periods, especially regarding the Iron Age, has been a vital breakthrough. Settlement continued throughout all periods of the Iron Age, including the Middle and Late Iron Ages, and on a single plank floor, we have identified four different phases so far."

Associate Professor Mehmet Ali Yılmaz provided details about the tablets they have found:

"So far, we have discovered 27 cuneiform tablets. Many of these tablets are currently on display at the Samsun Museum. The name 'Nerik' appears on these tablets, with many references describing its features and the geographical elements surrounding Nerik. Additionally, the term 'Dahanga,' which refers to a section of the temple dedicated to the weather god, is significant. We frequently encounter 'Dahanga' on various cuneiform tablets. It has also reappeared on a tablet found this year, which is important evidence. This is one of the key findings that supports the claim regarding Nerik."

Samsun’s Director of Culture and Tourism, Cemal Almaz, emphasized the successful progress of the excavation efforts, stating:

"Every square centimeter here holds traces of a civilization. It connects thousands of years at once and brings them to light simultaneously. It provides crucial, unique insights into the history of Samsun and Anatolia."