Ardahan Gazette, English Edition, November 21, 2025
Ardahan newspaper
20 Kasım 2025 Perşembe
Ancient Aramaic Inscription Found in Ardahan, Moved to Kars Museum Due to Lack of Local Facility
ARDAHAN, TURKEY — A significant archaeological discovery was made in a village in Ardahan, where an ancient stone slab bearing an Aramaic inscription was found. The artifact, which historians suggest may date back as far as the second millennium BCE, has caused excitement among researchers.
The inscription, considered a major find for the region, was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum for protection and study. This transfer highlights a resource discrepancy: the piece was found by residents of Ardahan, but the artifact was officially claimed by Kars due to Ardahan lacking its own suitable museum facility to house and preserve such a historical treasure.
First of its Kind in the Region
Museum authorities have confirmed that this is the first time an artifact inscribed in Aramaic has been documented in the Kars–Ardahan highlands. Aramaic is a Semitic language that was widely used across the ancient Near East, and its unexpected presence in this northeastern region is prompting scholars to re-evaluate the area's historical cultural interactions.
Experts at the Kars Museum have launched an extensive analysis to decipher the Aramaic text. Once the inscription is fully translated, it is expected to provide invaluable new details on the ancient history and cultural dynamics of the northeastern Turkish frontier.
Ardahan newspaper
Former HDP Leader Demirtaş Reaffirms Role in Peace Process, Denies Öcalan Rivalry
ANKARA, TURKEY — Prominent Kurdish politician and former Co-Chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Selahattin Demirtaş, has made a new statement regarding the peace process, confirming his participation in the initiative and vehemently denying any rivalry with the imprisoned PKK leader, Abdullah Öcalan.
Demirtaş, who remains in prison, said he wanted to clarify several issues because "discussions centered on his name are also affecting the peace process."
In his statement, he aimed to dispel rumors and speculation that have complicated the delicate atmosphere around finding a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish question in Turkey.
Key Points from the Statement:
Confirmed Involvement: Demirtaş confirmed his position as being an active part of the efforts towards peace.
Dismissal of Rivalry: He asserted that there is no competition or power struggle between himself and Abdullah Öcalan.
Impact of Discussions: He emphasized that debates revolving around his identity and status are having a detrimental effect on the progress of the peace process itself.
The statement is seen as an attempt to unify Kurdish political figures and messaging, ensuring that focus remains on the substance of the peace initiative rather than on perceived personal conflicts among leaders.
The Ardahan newspaper
Enthusiasm for Teachers' Day in Kars: Bocce Tournament Draws High Interest!
Kars - As part of the November 24th Teachers' Day celebrations, a special Bocce Tournament organized in Kars brought great excitement with the intense participation of teachers. The event, which reinforced the unifying power of sports and the spirit of solidarity and friendship among teachers, featured many colorful moments.
🎯 Quick Start with a Briefing
Before the tournament began, Bocce coach Süleyman ÖNGÜNER provided the teachers with a quick and informative briefing. Thanks to ÖNGÜNER’s swift presentation of the game's basic rules and technical details, the participating teachers quickly adapted and took their places on the field for the thrilling competition.
🤝 Friendship and High Energy on the Field
The tournament, which saw teachers from different schools compete, was conducted in a friendly rivalry from start to finish. Organization officials stated that the event offered a great social atmosphere and was carried out with high energy by the participants, confirming that the tournament achieved its goal. Through this sports activity outside of their busy work schedules, the teachers both had fun and had the opportunity to socialize with their colleagues.
Ardahan newspaper
