27 June 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Inscriptions That Could Change the History of Turkish Migration to Anatolia Are Disappearing: Esatlı Kaya Inscriptions

Researchers made a significant discovery during field research conducted in 1994 in Esatlı village, Mesudiye, Ordu. They introduced a series of remarkable rock carvings and Esatlı Kaya Inscriptions.

These images and figures, believed to have been created in the early centuries of Christianity, are considered among the most important examples of their kind, spanning a geographical range from Siberia to France and Portugal. Surrounding these inscriptions, which are thought to have been crafted by Turks practicing Tengriism (Shamanism), are ancient tumuli that indicate old Turkish settlements and burial sites.

The petroglyphs and inscriptions found in Esatlı hold additional significance as they illustrate the evolution of written communication. This site provides a unique opportunity to observe the progression from petroglyphs to ideograms, pictograms, markers, syllables, semi-syllables, and letters. It serves as a vital link in understanding the stages of development from primitive rock carvings to the formation of written language.

However, these important inscriptions are now facing the threat of disappearance, highlighting the urgent need for preservation efforts to protect this invaluable cultural heritage.

Prof. Dr. Necati Demir, a faculty member at Gazi University, has made significant statements regarding the Esatlı Kaya Inscriptions (Esatlı Rock Inscriptions) located in Mesudiye, Ordu. He emphasized that these inscriptions are not only an important cultural heritage of the region but also a crucial part of Turkish history. According to Demir, the Esatlı Kaya Inscriptions are among the areas with the highest concentration of Turkic script, second only to the Göktürk inscriptions. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into prehistoric Turkish migrations.

Credit: Ordu Olay – Mertcan Deniz

In his field studies conducted in the 1990s, Demir identified the Esatlı Kaya Inscriptions among other significant cultural findings. He noted that these inscriptions consist of both written expressions and rock paintings, closely resembling those found in Kyrgyzstan, which further enhances their historical importance.

The inscriptions are written in the Göktürk alphabet, one of the earliest known Turkic scripts, which dates back to the 7th century. This script was used by the Göktürk Khaganate and is characterized by its angular shapes and distinctive characters. Prof. Dr. Demir explained that the inscriptions are in the handwritten form of the Göktürk alphabet, which he has successfully deciphered. He pointed out that these writings have a similar structure to the inscriptions found on the ceiling of the Hagia Sophia Church in Trabzon. However, he lamented that the deterioration of the inscriptions complicates the deciphering process.

Highlighting the urgent need for protection, Demir stated that many of the inscriptions have been damaged over time. He has urged authorities to declare the region a protected area, but so far, no concrete steps have been taken. He stressed the importance of allocating more resources for the protection of cultural heritage and ensuring coordination among relevant authorities. Additionally, he called for international recognition and protection of the Esatlı Kaya Inscriptions, emphasizing the crucial role of UNESCO in this effort.

Demir also pointed out the potential for the Esatlı Inscriptions to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, noting that serious efforts are needed in this regard. He expressed concern that without prompt action, Turkey risks losing this significant part of its history, especially as other countries, like Iran, are actively protecting similar inscriptions.

Credit: Ordu Olay – Mertcan Deniz

Furthermore, he highlighted the tourism potential of the Esatlı Inscriptions, suggesting that they could attract visitors from around the world if the area were transformed into a museum and declared a protected site. He compared the potential of Esatlı to Gobustan in Azerbaijan, which draws thousands of visitors annually.

Demir also addressed the need for archaeological excavations in the region, stating that while treasure hunters have already caused damage, careful excavations could yield valuable findings that would help establish the exact dating of the inscriptions.

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Necati Demir called for an urgent action plan to protect the Esatlı Kaya Inscriptions, emphasizing their significance not only for Ordu but for all of Türkiye. He warned that failure to act could result in the loss of this invaluable heritage and the severing of historical ties.

In his article titled “The Petroglyphs and Inscriptions in Esatlı Village (Ordu-Mesudiye) and Their Historical Background,” Professor Necati Demir provides further insights into the significance and historical context of these remarkable inscriptions. For more detailed information on the subject, you can read his article.

This article is based on an interview conducted by Mertcan Deniz for the local media outlet Ordu Olay newspaper.

Cover Image Credit: Ordu Olay – Mertcan Deniz

Related Articles

Israeli researchers uncover earliest evidence silver used as currency in Levant

9 January 2023

9 January 2023

On Sunday, Israeli archaeologists revealed that they had found the earliest proof of silver being used as money in the...

Votive Altar Dedicated to Basque Deity Larrahe Found in Medieval Well

23 June 2024

23 June 2024

Archaeologists have unearthed a Roman-era votive altar dedicated to the ancient Basque deity Larrahe at the medieval monastery of Doneztebe...

An ancient bronze hand may be the oldest and longest example of Vasconic script

20 February 2024

20 February 2024

Researchers have discovered rare evidence of an enigmatic ancient language on a 2,000-year-old bronze hand. The inscription on the hand...

A 1700-year-old Roman water tunnel dug into the mountain was discovered in Adıyaman province in southeastern Türkiye

13 September 2023

13 September 2023

It was revealed that in the Besni district of Adıyaman province, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, the...

2,000 Bronze Statue Fragments Found in Ancient Scrap Yard

20 January 2025

20 January 2025

Archaeologists in Izmir, Turkey have made an extraordinary discovery in the ancient city of Metropolis: Approximately 2,000 bronze statue fragments...

A 1,100-year-old lead amulet of Bulgarian soldiers sieges Constantinople found

31 March 2023

31 March 2023

A lead plate amulet bearing an inscription in Cyrillic dating from the times of Tsar Simeon the Great was discovered...

Scandinavia’s first farmers slaughtered the hunter-gatherer population, according to a new study

9 February 2024

9 February 2024

Following the arrival of the first farmers in Scandinavia 5,900 years ago, the hunter-gatherer population was wiped out within a...

Two Altars Used for Blood Sacrifices and Divinations Discovered in the Ancient Thracian City of Perperikon

14 September 2024

14 September 2024

In the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon, partly carved into the rock in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, two...

Roman mosaic found under the pavement in the narrow streets of Hvar

13 February 2022

13 February 2022

In the Old Town on the Adriatic island of Hvar, Croatia, a Roman mosaic was unearthed beneath a narrow street....

2500-year-old ship graffiti sheds light on the history of Izmir in western Turkey

9 March 2022

9 March 2022

In the Smyrna Agora, which is one of the largest ancient agora in the city center of the world and...

A first in 35 years! Child grave with bracelets and gifts found in ancient city of Kelenderis

25 June 2022

25 June 2022

During this year’s excavations in the ancient city of Kelenderis, founded on the Mediterranean coast in the southern province of...

Poseidon’s Trident Discovered in Lake İznik

4 May 2025

4 May 2025

The depths of Lake İznik have yielded a discovery of profound significance, instantly captivating historians and archaeologists. The recent recovery...

A tiny 2,300-year-old votive vessel presented to the gods by the poor was found in the Ancient City of Troy

27 August 2022

27 August 2022

A 3-centimeter in size tiny vessel made of clay was found in the ancient city of Troy located at Hisarlik...

Stonehenge could be a solar calendar, according to a new study

2 March 2022

2 March 2022

A new study posits that the Stonehenge circles served as a calendar that tracks the solar year of 365.25 days,...

Secrets of the Ancient Walls: 1,700-Year-Old Roman Altar Unearthed at Vuçak Castle in Kosovo

19 April 2025

19 April 2025

Excavations at Vuçak Castle in the Kosovo countryside have led to a remarkable discovery: a Roman altar dating back to...