A 17th-Century Ottoman Shipwreck Unearthed in the Mediterranean

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy made important statements about the 17th-century Ottoman shipwreck unearthed in the Mediterranean. Minister Ersoy emphasized that the shipwreck is the first example of Ottoman naval power and trade that has survived to the present day, emphasizing the discovery's significant significance for global underwater archaeology.

The ship, estimated to be approximately 30 meters long and 9 meters wide, was examined as part of the Kızlan Ottoman Shipwreck Underwater Excavation. Research revealed that the ship sank after running aground, listing to starboard.

The excavations unearthed more than 30 Ottoman rifles, more than 50 hand grenades, more than 3,000 lead bullets, numerous powder flasks, pistols, swords, and daggers. This is the first time such a comprehensive collection of Ottoman weapons has been found in a single shipwreck.

In addition to military ammunition, copper vessels, ewers, cauldron ladles, ceramic pots, wooden spoons, boxwood combs, leather flasks, and baskets were also discovered in various sections of the ship. 135 Tophane-made pipe pipes were also unearthed, marking the largest known collection of pipes from the Ottoman period.

Two chess sets and more than 40 pieces of Chinese porcelain found during the excavation have been documented for the first time in Turkish territorial waters. These finds constitute the largest collection of underwater artifacts ever unearthed.

Minister Ersoy thanked the teams involved, saying, "We are following the footsteps of our ancestors not only on land but also at sea. This discovery is a unique legacy we will pass on to future generations."

We trace our ancestors not only on land but also at sea. ⛏️ With our Ministry's 'Heritage for the Future Project,' we are preserving our unique heritage and passing it on to future generations.

One of the most striking examples of this vision is the one that came to light after centuries in the depths of the Mediterranean… pic.twitter.com/96Ju77clQF

— Mehmet Nuri Ersoy (@MehmetNuriErsoy) August 24, 2025