Monumental Basalt Statue from Urartian Period Uncovered in Türkiye

A monumental basalt statue, dating back to the Urartian period (861 BC – c. 590 BC), has been unearthed from the Tusba district of Van, Türkiye. This massive statue, approximately weighing a ton, was discovered during rescue excavations at Garibin Tepe, and marks the first find of its kind in the area. Measuring approximately 2 meters (6.56 ft) in length and 1 meter (3.28 ft) in width, the statue displays impeccable craftsmanship, though it appears to have sustained some damage, with indications of a broken neck.

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Ayanis Castle: The Gift That Now Gives a Monumental Statue

Situated 30 kilometers (18.64 mi) from the Van city center and a mere 3 kilometers (1.86 mi) from the historic Ayanis Castle, the site has proven to be a rich source of historical artifacts. Following its unearthing, the statue was transported to the Van Museum for restoration and further study.