On display at the Karaman Museum are the terra-cotta horse figures and toys that were discovered in excavations at the Gökçeseki archaeological site (Philadelphia) in Karaman province.
Rock tombs were unearthed in excavations carried out in 2015 under the consultancy of Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University (KMÜ) and with the leadership of Karaman Museum at the ancient city of Philadelphia (meaning brotherly love), located within the Gökçeseki village in Karaman.
To the west of the tombs, in an area called the "ancient waste area," many other historical artifacts were discovered including pieces of rock sculptures, terra-cotta human and animal figures, ceramic cups, oil-lamps, coins, rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chains, beads and various objects made of bones.
The sculptures shine a light on the art interaction of Philadelphia with other centers and the local art of the period and ceramic cups present new information on the regional product and commercial relations.
The scientific examination, cleaning and restoration of the findings have been carried out and documentation works including drawing and photography works continue at the laboratory of KMÜ's Archaeology Department. The artifacts for which these works have been completed are being displayed at Karaman Museum.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), the Provincial Culture and Tourism Manager Abdullah Kılıç noted that these findings shone a light on the unknown history of Karaman and the region and some of the artifacts were very new for the region.
"The artifacts discovered in the archaeological waste land at the excavation site are some of the most important artifacts unearthed in the region. The unknown history of the region may be written once these artifacts are examines. The excavation is still continuing and I believe the region will become an important tourism center once it is completed," Kılıç said.
The artifacts displayed at Karaman Museum include seven busts, various medical tools, nails, bracelets, coins, rings made of iron and ceramic tableware. The most unique ones among them are four small horse figures made of terra-cotta and according to Kılıç, they are believed to be gifts left at the graves of those who have passed away at an early age. They are handmade and the details, from the horses' manes to their tails, are very fine and elaborate.
"We believe these are toys because there are holes on the bottom of the feet to insert either rods or wheels or to tie ropes. The artifacts date back to second century A.D., to early Roman and Byzantium times," he added, inviting art and history lovers to the museum.