Mehmet Karaosmanoğlu, head of the Archeology Department at Ataturk University, told Anadolu Agency that adobe buildings from the Urartu period were destroyed due to earthquakes in the region.
"The reception hall in the castle, belonging to the Urartu period, is the largest and only example of those found in Anatolia so far," Karaosmanoğlu said.
Three tombs were found in the southern part of the site, he said, adding that the sarcophagi they contained were the sole and most beautiful specimens from the Urartu Kingdom.
Arda Heb, the provincial director of culture and tourism, stressed that the artifacts found in the excavations contributed to archeology in Anatolia and were considered important examples of the culture they represent.
Heb said the archaeological park project had been approved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
"Our project consists of three stages. In the first stage, the feet of the royal tombs were removed, the outer border walls were maintained and joint evacuations were made. We continue our efforts to create viewing platforms, cafeterias and areas where we can host our guests," he added.
