Ancient grape seeds found in İzmir

İZMİR – Anadolu Agency

AA Photo

Archaeological excavations on the Yassıtepe mound in İzmir’s Bornova district have unearthed 5,000-year-old grape seeds that are believed to be the seeds of the Bornova Misket grape. 

The findings were put on display at the Yeşilova mound visitor center following a ceremony. 

Excavations in the Yassıtepe mound, which is located close to the Yeşilova mound, are being conducted by Ege University. 

So far more than 300 artifacts from the Neolithic era and early Bronze Age have been unearthed in the region. 

The deputy head of excavations, Zafer Derin, said they had found dried and carbonized grape seeds at the bottom of the bowls, adding that they could be the oldest grape seeds in İzmir, not just in Bornova. 

“We will continue getting more data on western Anatolian culture in our excavations in the region,” he said.