Arslantepe Open Air Museum

Arslantepe Mound, located near Malatya, was continuously inhabited from 5000 BCE to the 11th century CE, making it a key site for Eastern Anatolian civilizations. During its long history, it served various roles, including as a significant site during the Hittite period, a Roman village, and an Eastern Roman necropolis. Excavations began in the 1930s and uncovered significant artifacts, including a mud-brick palace from 3300-3000 BCE and over two thousand seal impressions, indicating the early development of state bureaucracy. The palace complex featured weapons, ceremonial objects, and a royal grave from 2900 BCE with evidence of sacrificed individuals. Recognized as one of the oldest city-states in Anatolia, Arslantepe was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.