Archaeologists are discovering a bright side to Turkey’s worrisome drought. Relics dating back some 11,000 years are starting to appear in reservoirs where water and several meters of soil once held.
What’s happening?
As Turkey Today reported, the withdrawal of water from the Ataturk Dam in Adiyaman has uncovered a new archaeological site. There, archaeologists have identified what appear to be T-shaped stone structures.
That could link them to the same design as the prehistoric site of Gobeklitepe, which dates back to the early Neolithic period 11,000 years ago, according to Turkey Today.
These specific finds are part of a broader group called the “Tas Tepeler culture,” according to Professor Sabahattin Ezer of Adiyaman University’s Department of Archaeology. Dating from the same time period as Göbeklitepe, each collection can provide an illuminating glimpse into the world of thousands of years ago.
The withdrawal of water from the Ataturk Dam made this discovery possible. Although they were once buried deep underground, erosion and the current historic drought have brought these structures to the surface.
While it is exciting for archaeologists that parts of ancient history are now visible, the overall image is very bleak for Turkey. One farmer told the Guardian that he lives in “constant fear” due to the associated consequences of the drought, such as potholes in his farmland.
With rainfall reaching its lowest level in 52 years in 2025, the situation is spreading across the country. The Kadıköy Dam is running out of water, depriving locals of a much-needed source of drinking water. Lake İznik is another area where other archaeological relics are emerging due to low water levels, as reported by Turkey Today.
What is a boon for archaeologists is, unfortunately, a sign of big problems for the country, which needs more rainfall for both drinking water and the agricultural industry.
Archaeological teams are rushing to excavate as many relics as possible from the Ataturk Dam while they can. The finds are being sent to an exhibition in the ancient city of Pere, according to Turkey Today.
As for dealing with the drought, Turkish leaders are implementing water-use measures to conserve what water they have. They are encouraging residents to be responsible with their water use, even though agriculture accounts for a large portion of consumption.
