An ancient city, 2,400 years old, reemerges underwater and surprises experts: “Historic structures have preserved their integrity”

Once again, the underwater world has surprised the scientific community with a new discovery. This time, the find took place in Turkey, beneath the waters on the reservoir side of the Dicle Dam in the country’s southeast. Rather than a single shipwreck from centuries ago, what emerged are the remains of an ancient city dating back 2,400 years.

It is a significant discovery that highlights the many mysteries hidden beneath waters around the world, whether in seas, oceans, or lakes, as in this case. A study published by Dicle University points to the presence of entire neighborhoods, along with tombs, mosques, and religious schools, all preserved in excellent condition underwater.

The reservoir formed in the late 1990s following the construction of the Dicle Dam. For decades, these structures remained hidden from view. Thanks to the stillness of the water and the absence of human interference, they had not resurfaced until now. The recent drop in water levels, caused by technical issues with one of the dam’s gates after heavy rainfall, brought them back into view.

“In the images captured by our teams, or when the water level drops, we can see that these historic structures have preserved their integrity and remain standing in good condition,” said İrfan Yıldız, a researcher at Dicle University.

A crossroads of civilizations

Researchers have identified the remains of 78 homes, suggesting the area once supported a sizable population. Nearby agricultural zones along the Tigris River indicate an economy based on farming. The site also includes religious structures such as a mosque and a madrasa, as well as several cemeteries.

Before the dam was built, the district of Eğil was home to numerous ancient civilizations, serving as a crossroads of empires and cultures that left their mark on the region. This rediscovery provides a clear picture of how the settlement evolved over centuries, with some structures dating as far back as the 5th century BC. Even so, the uncovered remains are relatively recent compared to the broader history of the valley.

The discovery presents an important challenge for archaeologists. Fluctuating water levels, shifting sediments, and potential erosion could cause the ruins to disappear if proper steps are not taken to protect and document them. “It is possible to carry out underwater archaeological studies on these remains,” Yıldız explained, emphasizing the need to map the site and preserve it for the future.

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