World's Oldest Shipwreck Discovered off Antalya's Kekova

Thousands-year-old amphorae recovered from the Early Bronze Age remains, identified as the world's oldest shipwreck near Antalya's Kekova Island, have been taken under examination.

Significance of the Shipwreck Discovery and Statements

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the amphorae belonging to the world's oldest shipwreck, found near Antalya's Kekova Island, shed light on Anatolia's maritime history.

Emphasizing that they have brought the traces of the world's oldest shipwreck to light in the Blue Homeland, Minister Ersoy drew attention to the significance of the ongoing work.

Origin and Dating of the Amphorae

The approximately 4,400 to 4,700-year-old amphorae brought to light during the excavations hold clues regarding the trade connections and daily lives of sailors of the era.

Clay analyses indicate that these vessels, thought to have been used for transporting olive oil or wine, were likely produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley.

Conduct of Excavation Works

Samples taken from the shipwreck, which was identified near Kekova Island during underwater research conducted by Akdeniz University in past years, showed that the ship belongs to the Early Bronze Age.

Official excavations began in 2026 with the permits of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the presidency of the Antalya Museum Directorate and the scientific responsibility of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz.

Remarkable Churn Amphora Find

Nine different marks on one of the amphorae recovered during the excavations and two holes on its body caught the attention of experts.

Evaluations suggest that this special vessel may be a churn amphora used in the making of cheese or butter.