Oylum Hoyuk Oylum Höyük is a significant archaeological mound located approximately 7 kilometers from Kilis, positioned to the east-southeast of the town of Oylum. It lies within the Euphrates Valley-Amik Plain and extends in an east-west direction. The mound spans about 460 meters by 320 meters, reaching a height of 22 meters on the northern side and 37 meters on the southern side. It is connected by a narrow isthmus between two hills. The site at Oylum Höyük was continuously occupied from the Chalcolithic Era (Obeid Culture) through to the Hellenistic Period. Additionally, Roman-era pottery has been discovered on the southern slopes. Excavations to date indicate that the mound served as a vital settlement during the Bronze and Iron Ages, although archaeologists have yet to reach the primary soil strata. Artifacts from the Chalcolithic Age indicate that the diet commonly included grains, barley, broad beans, lentils, figs, and grapes. Excavations at the Hellenistic Period layer revealed a large stone structure built with massive stone blocks, which contained copper, silver, and bronze coins dating back to the 1st millennium BC. Also discovered were cylindrical seal reliefs with Neo-Assyrian seal designs showing a man dressed in garments reaching down to his ankles. Research carried out between 2007 and 2009 on the northern slope uncovered votive items from the Middle Bronze Age II, including a bronze deity holding a copper axe and bronze figurines of a couple. These objects were placed beneath the foundation and base of a structure, believed to be offerings to secure divine blessing for the building. Oylum Höyük ranks among the largest mounds in Anatolia and is thought to have served as a royal center. Excavations led by archaeologists from Cumhuriyet University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences have yielded significant discoveries this year, reinforcing the theory that the mound was once the capital city of a kingdom. The excavation team is headed by Assistant Professor Dr. Atilla Engin, Chair of the Archaeology Department. For any questions or further information about Oylum Höyük, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will get back to you promptly.