Half a kilogram of gold: a precious belt of a medieval ruler was found in Turkey (4 photos)

Archaeologists made an incredible discovery in the Turkish city of Kars, discovering the golden belt of an ancient nobleman. Researchers did not make the artifact public for 22 years, hiding it in storage.





In the ancient city of Ani, located in Kars, Türkiye, archaeologists carefully excavated eight different sites. Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reached its peak between the 10th and 13th centuries. Known for its architectural masterpieces and as an important center of trade, culture and religion, Ani was shaped by various civilizations, notably the Seljuks, Georgians, Armenians and Byzantines.



The gold belt, found in 2002 during excavations led by Professor Dr. Beyhan Karamagarali from Hacettepe University, was kept for 22 years. This 432 gram artifact has various intricate shapes and is made entirely of gold. Hakim Aslan, etc. O. Director of the Kara Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, noted the historical significance of the belt.

The belt consists of a belt plate, a buckle and loops, and the buckle is made using the savat technique - an ancient Dagestan method of decorating gold and silver items. The plate is 25 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide, and has a human head at one end.





Interestingly, similar figures appear on wall paintings of the Uyghur period. On the belt buckle next to the human figure is engraved the word "liza", which means "lord". Historically, the "lisa" was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner.

The golden belt is now on display at the Kars Museum of Archeology and Ethnography and is available to visitors for three months.