Cup Graves in Isparta, Türkiye is an ancient cemetery where deceased were placed in baked clay cups oriented eastward, dating to the late 2000s BCE, excavated since 1993 revealing Bronze Age daily life artifacts.
Within the boundaries of the village of Harmoren (Gondurle) in Atabey district, there is a cemetery area that extends to the late 2000s BCE. The deceased were not buried directly in the soil here, but placed in a crouched (hocker) position inside baked clay cups. The openings of the cups generally face east, with the deceased's head oriented in that direction.
In 1993, Prof. Dr. Ruchan Arik and his team began excavations, which were later continued by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ozsait. A topographic plan of the area was created, and 41 new cup graves were brought to light. Most of the cups were sealed with a piece from another cup. There is orientation uniformity but not form uniformity; no special cups were produced for burial, instead available vessels were used.
The finds inside the graves provide clues about daily life of the period: spout-mouthed and bird-eyed vessels, small bowls and jars, stone axes, bronze rings, baked clay scrapers and "toggle pins" - needles with knob-shaped heads. The purpose of some items has not yet been fully understood. There is also a tool referred to in the literature as "plow blade" among these finds.
Guide's Note
What Are Cup Graves?
This area located near Harmoren (Gondurle) village is a cemetery dating to the late 2000s BCE. The deceased were placed in a crouched position inside baked clay cups, with the cup opening generally positioned to face east. In 1993, Prof. Dr. Ruchan Arik initiated the excavations, and later Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ozsait continued the work. As a result, 41 new cup graves were brought to light.
Best Time to Visit
Since it is an open-air area, the ground may be wet and cold in winter months. Spring and summer months are more suitable from both weather conditions and vegetation coverage perspectives. Those wishing to avoid heat should visit before noon.
How to Get There?
The most practical way from Isparta city center is to travel by private vehicle to Harmoren (Gondurle) village in Atabey district. Public transportation services are not regular, so if you don't have your own vehicle, you may need to arrange a taxi or private transfer. The route is accompanied by village views and agricultural lands.
Distance from Isparta City Center
The area is at a relatively close distance to Isparta city center, located within Atabey district boundaries. Direct access by city transportation vehicles is limited, so planning your route in advance will make things easier.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
The area itself is not large. Spending 30-45 minutes walking and examining the grave rows is sufficient. If you also plan to visit other historical sites in Isparta (such as Egirdir Castle, Ethnography Museum), it makes sense to add Cup Graves at the beginning or end of your route.
Other Stops in the Vicinity
When returning to Isparta city center, historical structures such as the Ethnography Carpet and Kilim Museum and the Mimar Sinan Mosque can be added to the route. If you are considering going a bit further, Lake Egirdir and Egirdir Castle are also within visiting distance on the same day.
Things to Consider Before Your Visit
The area is an open-air archaeological site. Although most of the finds have been transferred to museums, the grave pits and cup remains remain in place. It is important not to step outside the area boundaries and to walk carefully around the edges of the pits. For a guided tour, it may be helpful to contact Isparta Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate in advance.
Good Photography Spots
The overhead view of the regularly arranged cup graves reflects the prehistoric layout of the area well in photographs. Morning light shows the east-facing cup openings more clearly, which is advantageous for sunrise photography.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
Cup Graves Videos
Cup Graves videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
