Arslantepe Mound Open-Air Museum is a mound dating back to 5000 BCE, 7 km from Malatya; the world's oldest known mud-brick palace and metal swords were found here, and it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.
Arslantepe Mound rises 7 kilometers northeast of Malatya city center, in the town of Orduzu, near the western bank of the Euphrates River (Karakaya Dam Lake). It covers an area of 4.5 hectares and is 30 meters high. It saw continuous settlement from 5000 BCE to the 11th century CE. Known as Melidia during the Hittite period, this city later continued its existence as a Roman village, then a Byzantine necropolis.
Excavations have revealed a mud-brick palace dated between 3300-3000 BCE, a temple from 3600-3500 BCE, over two thousand seal impressions, and arsenical copper alloy weapons, indicating one of Anatolia's earliest state structures. At the Lion Gate entrance of the mound, a replica of King Tarhunza's statue holding a spear and an ear of wheat stands; however, the original is in the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Two lion reliefs are also exhibited in the same museum, with those on site being copies. Other artifacts unearthed from the site can be seen at the Malatya Archaeology Museum.
Arslantepe was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021. When planning your visit, note that recent comments frequently mention the site being closed for extended periods, with some visitors repeatedly unable to enter. The Information and Welcome Center next to the mound, however, is open and introduces the mound with augmented reality applications. Visitors report that information can be obtained here and that the staff are helpful. We recommend confirming the current status with the Malatya Museum Directorate before you go.
Related discoveries: Historical Sites, Malatya historical sites, Arapgir Grand Mosque.
Guide's Note
What is Arslantepe Mound?
Arslantepe is a mound in Eastern Anatolia that shows continuous settlement from the Late Chalcolithic Age to the Islamic period. The mud-brick palace, seal impressions, and metal weapons found during excavations bear the traces of the first state formation in the region. Its proximity to water sources and its location outside the flood plain of the Euphrates are among the reasons why it was not abandoned for thousands of years.
Best Time to Visit
The mound is outdoors, the area to be explored is large, and there is little shade. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months are more suitable in terms of both temperature and photographic light. Avoid midday hours in summer; going early in the morning is more comfortable.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
Recent visitor comments frequently mention that the site has been closed for extended periods, with some people repeatedly unable to enter. One comment stated that an opening was planned for July 12, but this date may change. The healthiest approach is to call the Malatya Museum Directorate (0422 321 30 06 or 0422 324 98 98) to inquire about the current status before you go. It is stated that even if the mound is closed, the adjacent Information and Welcome Center may be open, and the staff there are helpful to visitors.
How to Get There from Malatya?
From the city center, it takes about 15 minutes by private car in the direction of Battalgazi/Orduzu. A taxi is the most practical way. If you are going by public transport, you may need to get off minibuses heading towards Battalgazi and walk a short distance; renting a car or taking a taxi saves time.
Good Spots for Photos
The lion statues at the Lion Gate entrance of the mound and the replicas of the King Tarhunza figure (originals are in Ankara) are the most photographed spots. The wide-angle view from the top of the mound overlooking the Euphrates valley is also preferred for scenery.
How to Add to Your Malatya Travel Itinerary?
Adding Arslantepe to a Malatya city tour after a Mount Nemrut sunrise tour is a common choice. Visiting the Malatya Archaeology Museum on the same day to see the artifacts unearthed from the mound also provides a meaningful completeness.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
If the mound is open and a guided tour is available, 1-1.5 hours is sufficient. If you also want to visit the virtual museum and augmented reality applications in the Welcome Center, allocate a total of 2 hours.
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