The Historical Building in Bağlık, Kutlu Village, Ardanuç

Abstract

In 2024, archaeological excavations began in a historic structure known locally as the “Kutlu Village Vineyard Building,” located in Bağlar Mevkii, Kutlu Village, Ardanuç District, Artvin Province. The work was conducted under the direction of the Artvin Museum Directorate, with scientific consultancy by Dr. Osman Aytekin. The building was first identified and recorded in 1995 during Dr. Aytekin’s doctoral research, where it was briefly mentioned. In 1996, the Trabzon Council for the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Assets registered the site as a “castle” (decision no. 2415, dated 08.03.1996). However, based on its archi­tectural features, topographical setting, and the surrounding agricultural land, researchers believe that the structure may have served as a summer palace rather than a defensive castle. The aim of the excavation is to clarify the function of the building, its construction phases, and its historical context through scientific methods. This paper presents preliminary findings from the first year of excavations, along with general information about the site. During the first season, priority was given to preparing the area for archaeological research. Small trees within the site were carefully cut, and the dense surface vegetation was cleared. Geophysical surveys, especially ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements, were carried out to detect possible underground features. The first results allow deeper analysis of the spatial organization of the complex, its possible functions, and its contribution to the regional history. These studies not only shed light on the cultural heritage of the area but also represent an important step toward understanding the lesser-known settlement patterns of the Eastern Black Sea region.