Discovery in Turkey may reveal ancient Urartu capital

In eastern Turkey, near the village of Mescidli in the Muş province, archaeologist Melik Mirbey Ömeroğlu identified on satellite images a fortress of approximately 12 hectares, which could be Arzashkun, the first capital of the Urartu kingdom. The structure, approximately 120,000 square meters in size—equivalent to 17 football fields—is among the largest fortified sites known in the region.

Satellite images reveal hidden structure

The remains on the ground were previously considered to be scattered rocks, but satellite imagery revealed regular lines and shapes that did not correspond to natural topography. Ömeroğlu conducted field verification and reconstructed a perimeter approximately 1.4 kilometers long by following the remains.

Age and significance of the site

According to the researcher, the structure dates back to the beginning of the Iron Age, during the early times of the Urartu kingdom. He proposes that it could be Arzashkun, the royal city of King Arame, whose location has remained unknown. However, no definitive proof has been established yet.

Need for further excavation

As noted in the inventory sheet Kültür Envanteri, only excavations can date the site and confirm this connection. Researchers are now seeking funding and permits to conduct detailed digs at the location to uncover more evidence about its historical role.