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UNESCO-listed Phrygia, a 3,000-year-old cultural treasure in Türkiye’s Afyonkarahisar province, has suffered irreversible damage after treasure hunters blew up parts of the ancient Ornas Rock Complex with dynamite. The targeted area lies between the villages of Catagil and Alanyurt in Iscehisar district and has long been recognized as a sacred Phrygian site for rituals and offerings.
Ahmet Levent Zeybek, an archaeologist and former Director of Culture and Social Affairs at Iscehisar Municipality, described the site as a unique multi-storey rock sanctuary used during the Phrygian period. “There is no other complex like this in the world,” he told Hurriyet. “The comparison of before and after images shows the scale of destruction. It’s a tragedy for both Türkiye and global archaeology.”
Zeybek said the site was used for religious ceremonies and sacrifices and had survived thousands of years—until now. “The treasure hunters destroyed a 3,000-year-old structure with dynamite in search of gold,” he said. “It’s horrific from any angle. We may not be able to save the ruined structure, but the surrounding heritage must be protected and illuminated.”
Renowned archaeologist Professor Havva Iskan Isik condemned the destruction in an emotional interview with Hurriyet. “I couldn’t hold back my tears when I saw the photos. Ornas Rocks was one of the most unique areas of Phrygia,” she said. “This was a residential site bearing traces of Phrygian culture. What happened here is not just destruction—it’s cultural murder. Immediate action must be taken to preserve what remains.”
Isik emphasized that the Phrygia region embodies ancient Anatolian history, filled with rock tombs, homes, temples, and churches. “This is one of the worst acts of cultural vandalism I’ve seen. The perpetrators must be found, prosecuted, and declared traitors. I can no longer bear to witness such destruction.”
Afyonkarahisar's Director of Culture and Tourism Yusuf Altin confirmed that a criminal investigation has been launched following the incident. He noted that there are seven archaeological sites in the area, with Ornas Rock Settlement being the most significant. “These sites have seen settlement from the Phryg, Roman, and Byzantine periods. We are working closely with law enforcement to fight illegal excavations and protect cultural heritage.”
Local historian and Director of the Sultan Divani Mevlevi Museum Hasan Ozpinar said that Ornas is not the only site in danger. “Ayazini Village is also at serious risk,” he warned. Ozpinar shared a chilling anecdote: “Years ago, some treasure hunters came to the museum and told me, ‘You know history. The Greek commanders buried treasure here during the occupation. Show us the spot and we’ll give you a share.’ That’s how shameless they are. What’s happening now is just more proof of their recklessness.”
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