Excavations at Oluz Mound, situated in the Toklucak village of Amasya in northeastern Türkiye, have revealed a sacred chamber and a stone that date back to the Phrygian period, around 2,600 years ago.
Prof. Dr. Şevket Dönmez, a member of the Department of Archaeology at Istanbul University, remarked that this finding is a groundbreaking achievement in Anatolian archaeology. He highlighted the importance of uncovering a sacred stone linked to the goddess Kubaba.
He noted, “The discovery of a sacred chamber along with its corresponding sacred stone is a remarkable first in the realm of Anatolian archaeology.”
The discovery features a 20-square-meter structure dedicated to Kubaba, along with altars, which corresponds with historical accounts of a black stone symbolizing the goddess.
“Historical texts mention a black stone symbolizing the goddess Kubaba. Finding a sacred stone in a square structure dedicated to her in Central Anatolia holds significant importance in Anatolian archaeology. This discovery revitalizes written sources and provides tangible evidence of the relationship between the sacred stone and the mother goddess. This connection dates back to the 6th century BCE,” explained Professor Dönmez.
“We believe that more discoveries will emerge from this sacred area. It may even represent the transition to monotheism in Anatolia.”
Layers from different periods have been uncovered at Oluz Mound, demonstrating that the region has been a long-term settlement center.
At Oluz Mound, which has hosted various civilizations such as the Hittites, Persians, Roma and Medes, a 2,500-year-old Persian road, the first-ever fire houses (Ateşgede) found in Anatolia, and a religious complex featuring a multi-columned temple have been excavated.