The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the discovery of an Ottoman shipwreck that sank in the Mediterranean Sea centuries ago, with its cargo and military supplies intact. This provides the first detailed underwater archaeological evidence of the maritime presence and commercial activity of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century, according to the website “turkiyetoday”.

The ministry stated that this is the only Ottoman shipwreck from the 17th century excavated in Turkey.

Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, described the discovery as “one of the most prominent examples of global marine archaeology.”

He added, “This ship, which emerged from the depths of the Mediterranean after centuries, is the first example of the continuity of Ottoman naval power and trade to this day.”

Archaeologists identified the remains of a wooden ship measuring 30 meters long and 9 meters wide that sank after running aground.

The ship contained more than 30 Ottoman rifles, over 3,000 bullets, dozens of pistols, swords, daggers, and 50 hand grenades.

Researchers said no other known wreck in the Mediterranean carries such weapons.

Alongside the weapons, items reflecting daily life were found, including copper vessels, pitchers, ladles, ceramic jars, wooden spoons, combs, leather bottles, and baskets.

Notably, 135 pottery pipe bowls produced in the Tophane area of Istanbul formed what experts described as the largest collection of Ottoman pipes found to date.

Excavations revealed two chess sets and more than 40 pieces of Chinese porcelain wrapped in bamboo covers.

Archaeologists said this is the largest collection of its kind discovered in Turkish waters, indicating trade links during that period.

Three seals were found, including one engraved with the name “Hadabandi Abdullah Ahmed” dating back to 1667 and 1668, allowing researchers to precisely date the wreck to the late 17th century. The discovery of chestnuts aboard the ship suggests it sank during the winter months.

Findings indicated the ship was damaged in battle before running aground, where it caught fire and eventually sank. Experts described the ship as the first archaeological evidence documenting the Ottoman Empire’s military and commercial presence in the Mediterranean during the 17th century.

Once excavation work is complete, the artifacts will be transferred to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.