The rich tapestry of history is often woven with the discovery of rare and captivating artifacts that shed light on the past. Such is the case with the recent unearthing of a 2,100-year-old marble statue of Cybele, the revered Anatolian mother goddess, in the northern Turkish province of Ordu. This remarkable find not only highlights the region’s remarkable archaeological heritage but also offers a tantalizing glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this part of the world.
The Remarkable Discovery of the Cybele Statue
In the excavations conducted by a team of archaeologists led by Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yücel Şenyurt from Gazi University, the stunning 110-centimeter-tall marble statue of Cybele, weighing an impressive 200 kilograms, was discovered at the 2,300-year-old Kurul Kalesi, or the Council Fortress, in northern Ordu. This remarkable find is the first marble statue to be discovered in Turkey in its original place, making it an exceptionally rare and significant artifact.
“We are continuing our work non-stop. Two days ago we found an extraordinary artifact. According to our research, the statue remained intact after the walls of the entrance of the fortress of Kurul collapsed during an invasion by Roman soldiers. This statue has also shown us that the fortress of Kurul in Ordu was a very important settlement [in ancient times],” Prof. Şenyurt explained, highlighting the historical importance of the discovery.
The Significance of Cybele in Anatolian Mythology
Cybele, the Anatolian mother goddess, was a revered figure in the ancient civilizations that thrived in this region. She was seen as the personification of the earth, associated with fertility, nature, and the prosperity of the land. In Greek mythology, Cybele was often equated with the Earth-goddess Gaia, and she was closely linked to the wild animals of the mountains, as well as the walls and fortifications that protected the towns and cities.
The discovery of the Cybele statue, seated on her throne with her pregnant belly, serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring cultural and religious significance of this ancient deity. It provides a tangible connection to the beliefs and practices of the people who once lived in this region, offering a window into their worldview and their reverence for the natural world.
The Importance of Archaeological Excavations
The excavations at the Kurul Kalesi fortress, which are the first of their kind on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, have proven to be a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. The discovery of the Cybele statue is just the latest in a series of significant finds that have shed light on the history and cultural heritage of this region.
Mayor Enver Yılmaz has pledged to provide TL 500,000 in funds to support the ongoing excavations, recognizing the immense value of these efforts in contributing to the region’s tourism and in furthering our understanding of Anatolia’s rich past. The plan to turn the Kurul Kalesi fortress into an open-air museum promises to make these ancient treasures more accessible to the public, allowing people to directly engage with the remarkable history of the region.
Conclusion
The unearthing of the 2,100-year-old Cybele statue in northern Turkey is a remarkable achievement that has captured the attention of both the academic community and the general public. This rare and significant artifact not only offers a tangible connection to the past but also serves as a testament to the enduring cultural and religious significance of the Anatolian mother goddess. As the excavations at the Kurul Kalesi fortress continue, the hope is that more of these ancient treasures will be uncovered, further enriching our understanding of the region’s remarkable history and the vibrant civilizations that once thrived in this corner of the world.
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