A new era has begun in the Ancient City of Sobesos, one of the important archaeological heritages of Cappadocia. The excavations, carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University (NEVÜ), were upgraded to the status of Presidential Decisive Excavation, and the preparation and planning activities for the new season were completed.
An evaluation meeting was held under the chairmanship of Cappadocia Area Director Aydın Cem Aslanbay to plan the 2026 excavation activities to be carried out in the Ancient City of Sobesos near Şahinefendi village in Ürgüp district of Nevşehir. Head of Sobesos Ancient City Excavation, NEVÜ Faculty of Science and Letters Archeology Department Lecturer Assoc. Prof. attended the meeting. Dr. Bilsen Şerife Özdemir and Ministry of Culture and Tourism Representative Yasin Yıldız attended.
At the meeting, the activity schedule of the 2026 excavation season, scientific methods, research, documentation and preservation activities were discussed in detail, and practices for the protection of the historical structures unearthed were also evaluated.
In the statement made by the Cappadocia Area Directorate, it was emphasized that the main goal is to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Ancient City of Sobesos and pass it on to future generations, and it was stated that support will continue to be given to conservation and restoration activities along with scientific excavations.
Excavations can now continue throughout the year
The Sobesos Ancient City excavations, carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, have been upgraded to the status of Presidential Decisive Excavation. With the new status, the way is paved for the excavations to be carried out in a more comprehensive, planned and long-term manner, and it has also become possible to continue the activities throughout the year.
The activities to be carried out in Sobesos, which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Cappadocia, are expected to make significant contributions to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the region, scientific research and cultural tourism.
The story of the Ancient City of Sobesos began with a report of illegal excavations in 2002. After the unauthorized excavation by treasure hunters in an apricot garden near Şahinefendi village was reported to the gendarmerie, Nevşehir Museum Directorate teams started an investigation in the region. Rescue excavations were started the same year after the first investigations revealed colorful mosaics underground.
As a result of the subsequent scientific excavations, a mosaic reception hall, bath complex, villa ruins, churches, various living spaces and a necropolis from the Roman and Early Byzantine periods were unearthed. Floor mosaics, especially decorated with figurative and geometric motifs, are among the most important archaeological artifacts of Cappadocia.
Sobesos, which was discovered by chance during an illegal excavation, is today considered one of the most important archaeological centers, revealing that Cappadocia is not just about rock-carved settlements, but also has developed city life in the region.
New areas will be explored in the 2026 season
In the 2026 excavation season, it is aimed to unearth the yet unexplored parts of the ancient city, to protect and document existing historical structures, and to obtain new scientific data that will shed light on the history of the region.
The activities to be carried out in the Ancient City of Sobesos, with the Presidential Decisive Excavation status, are expected to make significant contributions to both the scientific world and Cappadocia tourism. - NEVŞEHİR