Ancient Royal Graves Related To The King Of Mindas Found In The Turkish Capital

JAKARTA - A wooden-structured burial room believed to belong to the Frigia Royal family was found in the ancient city of Gordion, the Turkish capital, Ankara in the Turkish capital, Ankara, last month, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

Speaking at a press conference at an archaeological site in Polatl totaling District, Ankara, Minister Ersoy said the grave measuring 3.1 x 2.8 meters was found in the tumulus T26, the 47th burial mound excavated in Gordion.

The space contains 88 metal artifacts, including large qualsils and bronze vessels that still depend on iron nails on the north and south walls of the tomb.

"Based on these findings, we estimate that the individuals buried here are members of the Frigia royal family, possibly related to Gordios or Midas," said Minister Ersoy, quoted by the Daily Sabah on July 9.

He added that the restoration and conservation of the tomb and its contents had already taken place, with plans to show off rooms and artifacts at the Gordion Museum later this year.

Gordion, the ancient capital of Frigia, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2023. The last stage of this excavation is part of Turkey's "Warisan for the Future" project, which aims to preserve and promote the archaeological heritage of a rich country.

Minister Ersoy stressed that Turkey has entered "an archaeological golden threat", referring to massive reforms including year-round excavations, the appointment of Turkish scholars to lead international excavations, and enormous financial and logistical support.

"With our rational planning, we achieved serious success which inspired us to take further steps," he said.

"It is very encouraging to witness the extraordinary progress made here in less than a year," Minister Ersoy said.

The newly excavated items were transferred to the Ankara Regional Restoration and Conservation Laboratory under special conditions. Experts have completed the restoration of 47 artifacts, which were then taken to the Gordion Museum for display.

The discovery of T26 reinforces Gordion's legacy as a key site representing Frigia's identity, with its monumental architecture, a layer of ruins dating back to 800 BC, and an elite burial.

Minister Ersoy also praised Prof. Charles Brian Rose, who has led the excavation of Gordion since 2013, and Prof. Yöcel Badminton, who took over the role in 2024.

"The efforts of all parties involved in uncovering this unique history are very valuable," he praised.

The minister highlighted the broader impact of the "Warisan for the Future" initiative, which has reached 251 sites across Turkey.

Since its launch in October 2023 on fire, the program has created jobs for more than 5,000 people and produced more than 6,000 archaeological findings by 2024 alone.

"Previously, excavations only lasted 45 to 60 days due to limited funds," said Minister Ersoy.

"Now, with adequate resources, excavations continue throughout the year, even in underwater archeology," he said.

He concluded by noting that the latest reforms have allowed excavation and restoration in all four seasons, accelerating the development of Turkey's archaeological and increasing its international profile.

It is known that the Sedukan Midas Tumulus, or burial mound, was one of the main tourist attractions in Gordion, built by King Midas for his father and is the second largest burial mound after the Alyattes tumulus in western Turkey.