In the heart of Istanbul, years of archaeological research are finally paying off and opening new doors to the city's past. At a particularly ancient site, scientists are exhuming and analyzing dozens of artifacts from different eras.
Turkey's most iconic city is also one of the richest in history. Formerly called Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul, the metropolis of fifteen million inhabitants is the scene of large-scale archaeological excavations. These searches recently made it possible to excavate new remains: as many buildings as burialsburials old and military buildings. An article published in Turkey Today reported on the progress of research in the port of Haydarpasa. Located on the eastern bank of the Bosphorus, the area has proven to be a goldmine for archaeologists, who have been working since 2018. The artifacts and buildings found date from various periods across the centuries.
At the crossroads of civilizations
Over several hundred square meters, researchers are busy uncovering the secrets hidden in the depths of the capital. The objects discovered since 2018 make it possible to establish a classification by period: the classical and Hellenistic era, Roman then Byzantine domination, the rooting of the Ottoman Empire and finally the contemporary era with the Republic. The Haydarpasa construction site is culturally heterogeneous, demonstrating the importance of the district throughout history.
It is a veritable maze of buildings and remains that archaeologists have been excavating in Haydarpasa since 2018. © AA Photo, Istanbul Archaeological Museums
The history of Istanbul and Haydarpasa really begins in antiquity, as demonstrated by the discovery of tombs containing a small quantity of coins. Struck with the symbols of Byzantium and Chalcedon, this coinage is said to have been produced between the 4the and the Ve century BC, in the midst of the expansion of the Greek world. The director of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Dr. Rahmi Asal, recalls, however, that the founding of Istanbul precedes the arrival of Greek travelers, with traces of camps in the region from the Neolithic period. Other structures appear in the trenches of Haydarpasa. Christianization due to theemergenceemergence of the Eastern Roman Empire is seen with the presence of a religious building, the church of Sainte-Bassa. After Roman hegemony, Christianity spread to Constantinople from the 4th centurye century. Near the remains of the church, a palace for the bishop was built at the same time, remaining occupied during the Middle Ages.
Massive archaeological site soon to open to the general public
Haydarpasa continues to be an important place in the Ottoman period, while Constantinople becomes a bridge between Europe and Asia. Another vestige, a little more unusual, bears witness to a much more recent but troubled era. In 2021, archaeologists came across a bunker from the Second World War, almost by chance. A real historical windfall that academics and authorities intend to exploit, both to better understand the chronology of the city and to expose it to tourists and visitors.
Haydarpasa Station, under construction renovationrenovationshould open its doorsdoors by 2026. The municipality has already expressed its willingness to make the archaeological site accessible once the excavations are concluded. Archaeologists estimate that the mission is nearing its end, with 90% of the site excavated. If the opening of a new museum is not on the agenda, the artifacts will be distributed among the institutions of the Turkish metropolis.
