projects

Textile Heritage in Arslantepe: Empowering communities through archaeology and traditional craftsmanship

Arslantepe “the mound of the lion”: UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021

Arslantepe (Malatya, south-eastern Türkiye) is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Eastern Anatolia, with continuous occupation from the 5th to the 1st millennium BCE, followed by sporadic occupation and a medieval cemetery dating around the 10th century a.D.. Research and excavation at the site of Arslantepe in Eastern Anatolia have been carried out annually since 1961 by several generations of archaeologists, professors and scholars, in a multinational team lead by the Sapienza University of Rome, in strong collaboration with the Turkish authorities and colleagues.

The long-term activities have allowed to bring to light a long sequence of occupation dated at least from the 5th to the 1st millennium BCE.

Longstanding Archaeological Research
Archaeological Excavation of Sapienza University of Rome since 1961.

Recognized Global Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021.

Pioneering Architectural Discovery
A palace dated between 3400 and 3200 BCE is today the most ancient preserved monument of its kind worldwide.

Continuous Textile Tradition
Arslantepe provides evidence of textile production throughout the excavated phases of occupation, from 4300 BCE to the medieval period.

Project details

Weaving History and Innovation: Textile Heritage in Arslantepe

Archaeological Excavation of Sapienza University of Rome since 1961

The most revolutionary research results are those dated to the 4th millennium, when Arslantepe was the centre of a primary state system. A palace rose at Arslantepe in the second half of the 4th millennium, the excellent state of preservation of which and the artefacts found inside it have provided central information for the understanding of the dynamics that brought to the origin of State in Western Asia.

Among its many contributions to the understanding of early complex societies, Arslantepe provides a unique case study for the evolution of textile production over 6000 years, from the Chalcolithic to the medieval period. This project, Textile Heritage in Arslantepe, aims to bridge ancient textile traditions with modern-day practices, creating an inclusive, sustainable model that integrates cultural heritage preservation, local craft industries, and community engagement. Through this initiative, the knowledge gained from textile-related archaeological discoveries at Arslantepe is transferred to the still existing local artisans, that are today organised in producer cooperatives, fostering economic development and cultural sustainability in the region.

Textile Culture of Ancient Arslantepe: What We Know

Arslantepe provides an extraordinary archaeological record of textile production spanning from 4300 BCE to the medieval period. Excavations have revealed over 313 textile-related artifacts, including 125 loom weights, 71 shuttles, 9 needles, 89 spindle whorls, and other textile tools.

These findings indicate that domestic textile production was a fundamental activity in the daily lives of the site’s inhabitants. Textile production at Arslantepe could have relied both on plant and animal fibers; the only direct evidence is a special cloth, as it comes for a royal tomb, made of goat hair, but we are sure that other fibres must have been in use too. Loom weights of varying shapes and sizes suggest that weavers could produce fabrics of different textures and qualities.

According to the data available until now, Arslantepe’s textile manifacturing was decentralized, with production occurring at the household level, no centralized workshops have as yet been found. Nevertheless, the level of specialization was high, as evidenced by the advanced spinning techniques and the introduction of new weaving patterns. Impressions of textiles found on clay sealings (cretulae) and rare fabric fragments from a rich funerary context (Royal Tomb) provide insights into weaving techniques such as the tabby weave and the more complex sprang technique, which created elastic fabrics. These discoveries highlight the skill and artistry of ancient Anatolian weavers (Laurito, R. (2012). Changes in Textile Production at Arslantepe during the 4th and 3rd Milennia BCE. Origini, 34, 317–328.).

The integration of archaeological findings with experimental studies on loom weights and spindle whorls has enabled researchers to reconstruct aspects of ancient Arslantepe’s textile production, shedding light on the technological evolution of fiber processing, weaving methods, and material usage over time. The long stratigraphic sequence of Arslantepe allows scholars to trace the continuity and transformation of textile production through the rise and fall of complex societies in Western Asia.

Reviving Tradition: Archaeology, Local Crafts, and Community Inclusion

Within the management plan for the Arslantepe site and its surrounding landscape, an initiative has been established to integrate archaeological research with local craft industries. This development project aims to support the local population by fostering traditional textile production and sales.

In the village of Orduzu, just 500 meters from Arslantepe, a family-run textile factory produces thread and cloth. Five kilometers away, another factory specializes in dyeing and sewing textiles. Additionally, in the nearby town of Battalgazı, a restored caravanserai serves as a hub for craft production and sales, featuring artisans who create patterns on cloth and on ceramics inspired by Arslantepe’s archaeological finds. The project envisions a synergy between the Arslantepe excavation team, local textile factories, and craftspeople to inspire new productions and to establish a dedicated sales point within the Battalgazı caravanserai. Furthermore, the initiative aims to explore the possibility of opening the textile factories to the public, offering guided tours that highlight the continuity between ancient and modern textile production. This integration of archaeology with craft industries creates employment opportunities, strengthens the local economy, and ensures the transmission of traditional skills to new generations.

Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including cultural institutions, universities, and local authorities, Arslantepe can serve as a model for how archaeological heritage can be leveraged to promote sustainable development and social inclusion.

Stakeholders and Partnerships

Academic Institutions

Faculty of History of the İnönü University, Faculty of History of Arts and Arts of the İnönü University, Sapienza University of Rome, MAIAO.

Local Community

Cultural and Historical Associations of the city of Malatya; Artists, Artisans and textile producers in Orduzu and Battalgazı (Kalbi Kadın Kooperatifi), local schools.

Cultural Organizations

Malatya Archaeological Museum, Malatya Ethnographic museum, Arslantepe Visitor Center, local tourism boards.

Government and NGOs

Turkish heritage authorities, UNESCO Türkiye heritage management teams.

International Partners

Textile heritage researchers, museum curators, and sustainable fashion brands interested in historical textile production.

Revitalizing Arslantepe’s Textile Heritage: From Past to Future

As the Textile Heritage in Arslantepe project unfolds, its impact will ripple through multiple dimensions of society. The cultural sustainability of Arslantepe’s textile heritage will be secured as ancient weaving techniques and tools find new life in the hands of contemporary artisans. By merging archaeological research with local craftsmanship, this initiative will ensure that knowledge of past textile traditions is not just preserved but actively practiced and celebrated.

Beyond the academic realm, the project will contribute to economic growth, empowering artisans and small-scale textile producers in Orduzu and Battalgazı. Traditional skills, once at risk of fading into obscurity, will be revitalized, creating sustainable employment and opening new markets for handcrafted textiles. The creation of a dedicated sales point in Battalgazı’s caravanserai will provide a direct link between history and commerce, transforming heritage into a living resource.

Education will serve as a cornerstone of this initiative, fostering awareness of Arslantepe’s textile traditions among students, researchers, and the wider public. Schoolchildren will engage in hands-on workshops, discovering the art of spinning, weaving, and dyeing through interactive experiences. This not only deepens their connection to their own cultural roots but also instills a sense of pride and responsibility toward preserving their heritage.

Finally, the tourism sector will flourish as visitors are drawn to an immersive heritage experience. The integration of textile heritage into Malatya’s cultural tourism routes will offer travelers a unique opportunity to witness and even participate in traditional crafts. Through this initiative, Arslantepe will stand as a beacon of inclusive cultural heritage, where the past and present intertwine to shape a vibrant and sustainable future.

Community Integration, skill transfer & cultural tourism development

Organization of textile workshops with local artisans, emphasizing the continuity of traditional skills.
Creation of community-driven initiatives where children actively participate in heritage conservation.
Launch of a public archaeology program, including experiential learning at the site and the Visitor Centre.
Establishment of a sales network for Arslantepe-inspired textile products, leveraging local markets and digital platforms.
Collaboration with tourism operators to include textile heritage experiences in guided tours.
Hosting international conferences and exhibitions on Anatolian textile heritage, positioning Malatya as a center for heritage tourism.

The Textile Heritage in Arslantepe project represents a groundbreaking initiative that links archaeology, local craftsmanship, and sustainable economic development. By integrating the past with the present, this project fosters an inclusive society where cultural heritage is not only preserved but actively contributes to the well-being of local communities. Through this initiative, Arslantepe will serve as a global model for how archaeology can inspire contemporary cultural sustainability and economic resilience.