Jurassic Park of Turkey: At Çorakyerler Turkey, 100 fossils dating back 8.5 million years discovered
In Çankırı, Turkey, an area known as the “Jurassic Park of Turkey,” excavation efforts have been underway at the Çorakyerler (Vertebrate Fossil Locality) during the 2023 excavation season. So far, approximately 100 fossils dating back around 8.5 million years have been discovered. These fossils represent species that lived between 8.5 and 7 million years ago. The excavation work is being led by Prof. Dr. Ayla Sevim Erol, the head of the Anthropology Department at Ankara University’s Faculty of Humanities and Geography.
The fossils found in the Çorakyerler Vertebrate Fossil Locality include a wide range of species, spanning from around 8.5 to 9 million years ago. These include fossils from horse species known as hipparions, a young rhinoceros skull, ancestors of present-day elephants, large horned animals similar to bison, fossils related to the ancestors of giraffes, and fossils resembling wild goats. The excavation work is set to continue until the first week of September. Prof. Dr. Ayla Sevim Erol has been leading the Çorakyerler excavation for many years.
WORK ONGOING FOR 22 YEARS
The fossils in the region are extracted from petrified sediments using dental tools, which is why the work has been ongoing for 22 years. According to Sevim Erol, almost all of the subsoil in this area contains fossils, making it a fossil-rich site that could be excavated for decades to come.
Çorakyerler Vertebrate Fossil Locality is considered highly important in the field of paleontology. A monograph (book) about the site was expected to be published earlier, but due to a publication in the Nature journal that was anticipated, the monograph was postponed. The Nature publication was recently accepted, bringing positive news to the researchers, and the monograph is now planned to be written and published.
IMPORTANCE OF THE SITE IN THE FIELD OF PALEONTOLOGY
The area is known to have six species unique to Çankırı, some of which are being prepared for publication, while others have already been published. This treasure trove of fossils in Çorakyerler will continue to be promoted to the world through various publications. The site serves as a reference for comparative studies and is considered a type locality, underlining its significance in the field of paleontology.
AROUND 100 FOSSILS FOUND DURING THIS EXCAVATION SEASON
During this excavation season, around 100 fossils from various animals have been found. These include parts of two types of hipparions (ancient horses), young rhinoceros skulls, skeletal remains of ancestral elephants, large horned animals similar to bison, giraffe-related fossils, and fossils resembling wild goats. These fossils represent species that lived between 8.5 and 7 million years ago and are associated with a catastrophic event that caused mass mortality among various animal species.
Unfortunately, due to limited funding, the excavation team is small, and progress in the excavations is slower than desired. Despite this, the Çorakyerler site remains rich in potential discoveries, with over 4,100 identified fossils and additional, yet to be classified, fossils awaiting study.
