Eti Bakır continues to preserve and carry Turkey’s important archaeological treasures into the future. As part of the “We Extract All the Treasures Below the Ground” project, Eti Bakır has supported the excavation works at the İkiztepe Mound in Samsun and the İnkaya Cave in Çanakkale. Additionally, the company has become a sponsor for the excavation of the Early Byzantine-era floor mosaic, which is believed to be located in Salkaya, Elazığ, another significant cultural heritage of Anatolia.
Anatolia, the cradle of civilizations for thousands of years, hosts a unique cultural heritage spanning from ancient cities to mosaics, mounds to temples. The land of Anatolia harbors countless legacies from the Paleolithic Age to the present day. As part of the “We Extract All the Treasures Below the Ground” project, Cengiz Holding’s subsidiary Eti Bakır supports efforts to uncover Anatolia’s cultural heritage. Having previously supported the excavation works of Harput Castle in Elazığ, Eti Bakır now contributes to the research of the Early Byzantine-era floor mosaic in Salkaya, Elazığ.
“WE WILL INCREASE OUR SUPPORT FOR THESE PROJECTS”
Eti Bakır General Manager Asım Akbaş stated, “As a company that extracts copper, an indispensable raw material for modern life, and transforms it into a final product, we contribute significantly to our country’s economy while also bringing other treasures from beneath the ground to life. In addition to our industrial and production activities, we are conscious of our responsibility to protect our cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations. The excavations in Salkaya Village host significant findings that shed light on the region’s history. These discoveries not only have archaeological value but also hold great potential for regional development and cultural tourism. The support we provide to such projects is an important step in preserving and transferring Anatolia’s rich cultural heritage to the future. We will continue to do our part in protecting our cultural heritage and bringing the historical wealth of the region to light. In the future, we will increase the support for these types of efforts.”
THE FIRST MOSAIC SHEDDING LIGHT ON ELAZIG’S HISTORY
The floor mosaic discovered in Salkaya Village, located 14 kilometers from the city center of Elazığ, was uncovered in 2023 when a farmer noticed colorful and shiny stones while planting cherry trees. This important discovery, which has since led to excavation works, is attracting attention as a key finding of the region’s history. The mosaic, which covers an area of approximately 84 square meters, is believed to date back to the Early Byzantine period. This mosaic is a first of its kind in Elazığ. The mosaic features animal figures such as a wolf, pig, mountain goat, deer, pheasant, and Anatolian leopard, as well as various local plants.
In addition to the mosaic, excavations around the site have uncovered remains that could potentially belong to a church and a wine production facility from the ancient period. These structures suggest that the region might have been a central hub for religious and commercial activities. As the excavations continue, more information is expected to emerge about the region’s social, religious, and economic structure.
