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China's first archaeological excavation project in Türkiye is underway at Yogunburc in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa, with officials saying the project could deepen archaeological cooperation and strengthen cultural and tourism ties between the two countries.
The excavation is being carried out as part of the Culture and Tourism Ministry's Tas Tepeler Project through cooperation between the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum and the Archaeological Research Center of China's National Cultural Heritage Administration.
Chinese archaeologists are taking part in an excavation in Türkiye for the first time, joining research at Yogunburc, a Neolithic settlement in a region whose archaeological sites have provided evidence about some of the earliest stages of settled human life.
Excavation director Professor Gan Caichao said Yogunburc is the first archaeological site in Türkiye where a Chinese team has carried out excavation work.
The project began on July 16 with a 22-member team, including seven Chinese researchers. Gan said the researchers were pleased to work in Sanliurfa and hoped archaeological cooperation between Türkiye and China would develop further.
Gan said the significance of the project went beyond archaeology, describing Yogunburc as a link that could bring people in the two countries closer together.
"Yogunburc excavations are a very important bridge between the two countries. In the future, it is important for Chinese people to know Türkiye, Sanliurfa and the historical sites here. As a state, we also attach great importance to the excavations here. It is very important for the development of friendship and tourism between the two countries," he said.
Gan recalled Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Rao Quan's visit to Sanliurfa before the excavation work began, adding that Chinese authorities were placing considerable importance on the project.
Following the visit, a process was launched to establish a sister-city relationship between Sanliurfa Metropolitan Municipality and Yulin Municipality in China, according to Gan.
"Following the visit, the process of establishing a sister-city relationship between the Sanliurfa Metropolitan Municipality and the Yulin Municipality of the People's Republic of China was launched. It will be good promotion for both countries, and we hope many tourists will come," he said.
Gan, who had previously visited Türkiye as a tourist, said he had been impressed by the country's numerous historical sites and described local people and officials as welcoming and helpful.
"We feel as if we are at home. We are very happy here," he said.
The Tas Tepeler Project in Sanliurfa covers 12 Neolithic archaeological sites, including Gobeklitepe, Karahantepe, Sefertepe, Sayburc, Harbetsuvan, Gurcutepe, Cakmaktepe, Yeni Mahalle, Yogunburc, Ayanlar, Mendiktepe and Sogut Tarlasi.
Dating back around 12,000 years, the settlements have produced evidence shedding light on the transition of hunter-gatherer communities toward settled life, early forms of social organization and early belief systems.
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