Alacahöyük is the site of a Neolithic and Hittite settlement and is an important archaeological site. It is situated in Alaca, Çorum Province, northeast of Boğazkale where the ancient capital city Hattusa of the Hittite Empire was situated. The work revealed considerable local wealth and achievement even before the time of the Hittites, with the earliest occupation dating from the 4th millennium BC. Tombs of the 3rd millennium BC feature metal vessels, jewelry, weapons, and pole finials of bulls, stags, as well as abstract forms often interpreted as solar symbols. Studies have shown that there are four layers of different cultures at Alacahöyük. These are the chalcolithic, Early Bronze Age, Hittite and Phrygian which are again divided into 15 distinct layers themselves.

Excavation at the site resumed in 1994, and is now directed by Professor Aykut Çınaroğlu. Çınaroğlu said that with a team of 20 people, they were working on layers from the Bronze Age as well as the Hittite civilization.

A nearly 4,000-year-old Bronze Age kiln has been found during these excavations in the ancient city of Alacahöyük in Turkey. It is an insulated chamber used as a type of oven. The kiln dates back to the Bronze Age. It’s the first kiln found in this area and is very well preserved. There’s been a dig at this location for over a hundred years and only 13% of the site has been uncovered yet.

They also found pieces from the Phrygians in the excavation area and unearthed very beautiful seals. Professor Aykut Çınaroğlu calls the kiln as a monumental finding when compared to other small pieces uncovered. It is nearly 2.5 meter high and some 4,000 years old. Half of the kiln has so far stayed strong. The kiln will be restored during 2014 works and now it is under protection. Çınaroğlu said “There are many more areas to be excavated. This is Alacahöyük, we should wait for new surprises every year.”

This finding, surely, will bring a new perspective to the ceramic production that is over an 8000 years old tradition in Anatolia.