One of the oldest canals in the world was found in Turkey: an “architectural miracle”

The age of the find is estimated at more than 8 thousand years.

One of the oldest water channels in history, dating back 8,200 years, was discovered in Western Turkey during excavations carried out at Yesilova Hoyuk (Yeshilov Mound).

Yesilova Hoyuk is a burial mound in the Bornova district of Izmir, Turkey, and is the oldest known prehistoric human settlement in the Izmir region, the Arkeonews website reports.

The excavated mound has already revealed significant traces of the Neolithic era, as well as a wealth of information about the earliest settlers in the Izmir region near the Aegean coast, their surroundings and culture. For example, unlike Katalhoyuk in central Anatolia, where houses are located next to each other, ancient people lived in separate houses with separate roof systems.

The results of a joint project between the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ege University and the local authorities are important as they suggest that the historical settlements in the Izmir region date back to 8500 years, i.e. 6500 BC.

The 8,200-year-old water channel, which was recently discovered during the exploration of the Eshilov Kurgan, is an important archaeological achievement. It was discovered that the first city dwellers manually changed the course of the river so that it flowed right in their immediate vicinity.

Associate Professor Zafer Derin from Ege University, who discovered the mound and has led the excavation since 2005, explains that: “Here at Yesilova Mound, the site of Izmir’s first rural settlement, we are currently focusing on deciphering the nuances of their urban planning. As a result of the excavations, a canal 6.5 meters wide was discovered, passing through the center of the settlement. This architectural marvel, with stone-lined edges and raised earth embankment, has been preserved for eight millennia – over the course of four generations. Over time, the canal eventually silted up, but its legacy has endured, as evidenced by Roman-era attempts to bring water through the same area using pipelines. The greatness of the canal is emphasized by its vast width, and the settlement developed harmoniously along both banks. By carefully preparing for a possible flood, the settlement demonstrated unprecedented foresight. Our measurements showed that the length of the channel is 220 meters, although we were able to detect only a fragment due to the dense accumulation of gravel inside.”

Derin emphasizes the importance of the settlers’ skill in urban planning. “The pioneers of this city used the availability of water ingeniously, masterfully shaping their habitat. Their urban design may just be a pioneering example in Anatolia’s history, demonstrating their exceptional adaptability,” he added.