The 20th excavation season at Oymaağaç Höyüğü, identified as the Hittite sacred city of Nerik, has yielded significant archaeological finds and a celebratory workshop. The "Vezirköprü Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Workshop," held on August 18-19, 2025, served as a platform to present the latest advancements in understanding this ancient Anatolian metropolis.
Professor Dr. Rainer Czichon, leading the excavation, confirmed the precise location of Nerik and announced the discovery of 26 cuneiform tablet fragments. These fragments, some now on public display, provide crucial textual evidence, including references to Nerik's sky god, reinforcing the site's identification. Cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems dating back to approximately 3000 BCE, has historically offered invaluable insights into ancient civilizations.
Further enhancing the understanding of the site, a sacred spring within Nerik was discovered after nine years of dedicated excavation. Within this spring, a collection of rare wooden artifacts was unearthed, including a farming hoe, materials likely used for a weaving loom, a fragment of a yoke, and a sling stone. These items offer a tangible connection to the daily lives and crafts of Nerik's inhabitants.
The discovery of a 3,000-year-old hazelnut shell, potentially one of the oldest from the Black Sea region, adds another layer to the historical narrative. The Black Sea region has a long-standing connection with hazelnuts, with cultivation documented as early as 1500 BCE.
The workshop was attended by several dignitaries, including Samsun Deputy Governor Hançer Baştürk, Ondokuz Mayıs University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, and Samsun Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Süleyman Demirtaş. Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı expressed continued support for the excavation efforts, with potential funding from various local authorities being evaluated for 2025.
Professor Dr. Czichon and Associate Professor Dr. Mehmet Ali Yılmaz also presented their research from the Nerik Ancient City excavations at the International Archaeology Symposium held at the Presidential Complex on August 9, 2025, emphasizing the region's deep archaeological and cultural significance.
With these substantial discoveries and ongoing support from governmental and academic institutions, the excavations at Oymaağaç Höyüğü are set to continue, promising to reveal further insights into the storied past of this ancient city and its integral role within the broader Hittite civilization.