Hatay: Trkiye's Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced on Tuesday that five human footprints dating back to 5200 BC were discovered during excavations in Hatay, southeastern Trkiye.

According to Anadolu Agency, the discovery was made at Tell Kurdu Hoyuk in Reyhanli Karahuyuk, Hatay. Ersoy shared the news on the Turkish social media platform Nsosyal, emphasizing the rarity of the find. The footprints, which were left by people walking on rain-soaked mud, provide a unique glimpse into life thousands of years ago.

The footprints were uncovered in archaeological layers from the Ubaid period, dated to 5200 BC. This period is known for its cultural and technological developments, and the footprints offer a rare testimony from that time. Ersoy highlighted the importance of this discovery, noting that it aligns with the goals of the Legacy for the Future Project, which aims to preserve and promote Trkiye's historical heritage.

Ersoy also mentioned that the footprints were unearthed on August 21, 2025, in trench 8564. They were found in a clay fill layer that had been exposed to heavy rain or water. This context provides valuable information about the environmental conditions of the period.

Considered among the rare finds in Anatolian archaeology, the discovery provides significant insights into the social and cultural life of the time. The footprints are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the Ubaid period and the region's historical significance.