While renovating a neighborhood in Trabzon, workers broke through stone and uncovered a hidden passage, leading archaeologists to one of the oldest underground cities ever found in Turkey. How a construction project in Turkey accidentally uncovered an ancient city. In the heart of Turkeykey’s Black Sea region, in the city of Trabzon, something extraordinary happened. While workers were preparing for an urban renewal project in the Otisar district, they stumbled upon a narrow opening beneath the foundations of an old
building. At first, they thought it was just another tunnel. Turkey is known for its underground networks. But as the excavation continued, they realized this wasn’t ordinary at all. It was the entrance to a sprawling underground city hidden for nearly 4,000 years. What began as routine construction turned into one of the most unexpected archaeological finds in recent history. Inside the 4,000-year-old underground city found beneath trabs and streets. Archaeologists were brought in quickly and what they found was jaw-dropping.
A complex web of tunnels, chambers, corridors, and living spaces carved deep into the bedrock. Some areas appear to have been used as homes. Others had storage pits, wells, and even what might have been communal gathering places. There were signs of intelligent planning, ventilation shafts, stone doors, and layouts that suggest the city was designed not only for habitation, but also for long-term survival. The craftsmanship, durability, and sheer scale left experts stunned. It wasn’t just a refuge. It was an entire community beneath the earth. Why archaeologists believe the Trabzison underground city dates back to 2000 B.C.E.? Preliminary analysis of the surrounding material and architectural style suggests that this underground city may date back as far as 2,000 B.CE nearly 4,000 years ago.
That places it well before many of the major empires commonly associated with the region like the Romans, Bzantines, or even the Persians. While archaeologists are still piecing together the puzzle, some believe it could have been constructed by early Anatolian civilizations, possibly even prehittite cultures. This would make it one of the oldest known underground settlements in the world, predating even Turkeykey’s famous Daringuyu underground city in Capidoshia. Did early civilizations hide underground to survive invasion or harsh climates in this underground city? Why would people spend the time and effort to carve out an entire city underground? There are a few possible reasons. One theory suggests it was built as a refuge from invading forces during turbulent periods. Going underground could offer both safety and secrecy. Another theory points to environmental factors. Extreme heat, cold, or even religious reasons may have played a role. The fact that this city includes what looks like places for worship suggests there could have been a spiritual component, too.
Whatever the reason, this wasn’t a temporary hideout. It was meant to be lived in. What the layout of Trabzon’s hidden city tells us about ancient daily life. This discovery challenges our assumptions about what ancient people
were capable of. The engineering, the social organization required, and the knowledge of geology all point to a highly advanced society. It suggests that early Anatolian civilizations may have been more sophisticated than we previously believed. And it opens the door to the possibility that there are even more ancient cities hidden beneath our feet, just waiting to be discovered. How Turkey is racing to protect the newly discovered ancient city from collapse. Since its discovery, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism,along with local authorities, has stepped in to secure and protect the site. Plans are underway for controlled excavation, documentation, and eventually public access.
However, the preservation process is delicate. Underground structures are prone to collapse and erosion if not properly stabilized. Archaeologists are racing against time. carefully studying the layout while ensuring the city remains intact. What makes the Trabzon underground city so different from famous sites like Derinkuyu? Turkey is no stranger to subterranean marvels. The most famous example, Derinkuyu in Capidosia, could hold up to 20,000 people and was used for centuries. But this newly discovered city in Trabzon is different. It may be older. It’s built into a different type of terrain. and its purpose, still not fully understood, seems to blend both survival and daily life in fascinating ways. Why the 4,000-year-old Trabs and find may rewrite what we know about Anatolian history. The sheer age of the site, combined with its complexity and mystery, has left experts at a loss for words. Very few underground cities from this era have survived, let alone remained untouched beneath modern infrastructure. That such a wellpreserved ancient city was hidden in plain sight speaks to how much of our past is still buried. It’s a reminder that history doesn’t always reveal itself on the surface.
