How People Lived 86,000 Years Ago: New Data from İnkaya Cave

In İnkaya Cave in northwestern Turkey, archaeologists have discovered traces of human presence dating back about 86,000 years. Excavations have been ongoing since 2016 under the leadership of Professor İsmail Özer. Hundreds of flint tools have been found, indicating permanent habitation by ancient communities. The discovery changes perceptions of the Paleolithic in the region.

Archaeological excavations in İnkaya Cave in northwestern Turkey have yielded sensational results: traces of human presence dating back about 86,000 years have been found. The cave is located in Çanakkale Province near the village of Bahadırlı. Research has been ongoing since 2016 under the leadership of Professor İsmail Özer from Ankara University. The latest expedition, bringing together 20 specialists, focused on the eastern slopes of the grotto, where the oldest artifacts were found. According to Professor Özer, the discovery changes perceptions of the region: previously it was thought that traces of the Paleolithic in the province were limited, but now the area is recognized as one of the richest in Turkey. The cave was used as a permanent dwelling due to its proximity to water and flint supplies. Hundreds of flint tools have been found: denticulate, composite, and scrapers. Scientists are preparing microscopic analysis to determine their functions. However, organic remains are absent, which limits knowledge about daily life. Earlier, Kursor reported on a Viking-era find.