Troy Excavation 2026 Begins Amid Buzz Over Film 'Odyssey'

Troy Archaeological Site (around the South Gate)

The Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has announced the official commencement of the 2026 excavation season at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy, a place shrouded in historical mysteries, under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey (hereinafter 'Turkey').

Currently, anticipation in Japan has reached its peak for Christopher Nolan's latest film 'Odyssey' ｟nationwide release on September 11 (Fri)｠, a live-action adaptation of Homer's epic poems—the foundational works of classical literature. As Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, springs to life on screen, the legendary city of 'Troy,' the origin of this story and the setting of the 'Iliad,' stands firmly in Çanakkale, Turkey, as 'real history' beyond literature and cinema. At a time when modern cinema is stimulating the world's imagination, archaeologists and researchers are actively conducting excavations to unearth long-buried secrets beneath the soil, seeking new historical insights into the legendary Trojan War.

Experiencing Cinematic Excitement in Reality: 2026's Latest Excavation into the Mystery of the Trojan War

'The Trojan Horse' at the entrance of the Troy archaeological site

At the Troy site, which has entered a new field season in 2026, exciting investigations are currently underway. This excavation has revealed grand colonnaded roads and shop remains spreading across the Roman-era Lower City, gradually unveiling the commercial activities and vivid daily lives of the time. Simultaneously, research teams are conducting detailed investigations into intense destruction traces around the South Gate of 'Troy VI–VII layers,' directly linked to the era of the legendary Trojan War.

Furthermore, efforts continue to probe deeper into the citadel of Troy, aiming to uncover the secrets of palace structures from the Bronze Age.

With the film 'Odyssey' drawing global attention, now is the perfect opportunity to step into the city of King Priam and feel the breath of history among the ancient walls that hero Hector fought to protect with his life. Trace Achilles' footsteps and touch the authentic land where Odysseus' sharp strategies unfolded—before or after watching the film, experience the real ground where it all began.

A Unique Cultural Landscape Woven by 5,000 Years and 10 Layers of History

Troy is one of the most stratified cultural heritage sites in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of ten distinct historical layers, representing continuous human habitation for over 5,000 years—from the Early Bronze Age to the Byzantine Empire—not just the remains of the famous 'Trojan War.' From the massive walls of Troy VI to the remnants of Roman-era civilian life, visitors can experience a rare form of time travel, as if physically journeying back through time.

One of the key factors that made Troy a unique presence in history is its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and as a connector between the Aegean and Black Seas.

Artifacts housed in the Troy Museum

While this geographical advantage brought sustained prosperity, the strong winds and currents of the Dardanelles Strait also provided ships with a safe haven, enabling Troy to grow into a powerful hub of trade and cultural exchange.

The Fusion of Myth and History: The Reaffirmation of Anatolian Identity

It is no coincidence that ancient poets like Homer and Virgil immortalized this significant city in their masterpieces. Homer's 'Iliad' became a symbol transcending the age of heroism, while in Virgil's 'Aeneid,' Prince Aeneas, who escaped after Troy's fall, embarks on a journey to find a 'new Troy,' inspiring a romantic foundation myth in which his descendants establish Rome in 753 BC.

In fact, 'Troy VII layer,' destroyed by fire around the 13th century BC, is widely identified as the city of King Priam depicted by Homer. Recent archaeological evidence supports the existence of great wealth consistent with descriptions in the 'Iliad,' and researchers continue their investigations to link the epic with physical reality. Moreover, recently discovered Hittite texts and Luwian seals prove that Troy was not merely a symbol in Homer's works, but a city deeply rooted in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) with global influence.

Troy Museum: Experiencing Layers of History Through Cutting-Edge Design

Interior view of the Troy Museum

Located at the entrance to the ancient ruins, the 'Troy Museum' is a remarkable facility that enhances the experience of touring the site. Having won numerous international architectural awards, the museum vividly brings the story of Troy to life through immersive storytelling and modern exhibition design. Inside, visitors ascend a gently rising ramp designed to experience Troy's layered history, encountering a wide variety of excavated artifacts and the latest findings in archaeology and archaeological science.

From stone inscriptions to monumental sculptures and extensive photographic archives, it offers a memorable journey through the world's most legendary archaeological site.

Major Exhibition in Rome with Over 300 Artifacts, Photo Exhibition in Tokyo—Global Attention to the Troy Site

Troy's heritage is now gaining attention across borders in Europe. At the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome, Italy, a large-scale special exhibition titled 'Troy and Rome: Myths, Legends, and Stories of the Ancient Mediterranean' is being held from June 12 (Fri), 2026, to October 18 (Sun), 2026. This exhibition brings together over 300 artifacts, including more than 220 precious cultural properties specially loaned from 19 museums across Turkey, conveying today the grand historical connections set in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, in Japan, the 'Troy Site Photo Exhibition' is scheduled to be held at the Tokyo National Museum from December 8 (Tue) to December 13 (Sun). The ancient city of Troy, stage of Homer's myths and weaver of over 5,000 years of layered history, will be brought to life for audiences in Japan, transcending time and space.

In 2026, as the film 'Odyssey' once again draws the world's imagination back to the ancient Mediterranean, the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) warmly welcomes all history-loving audiences in Japan to the authentic stage where legend began. The ongoing latest excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 'Troy,' inscribed with 5,000 years of memory, and the 'Troy Museum,' offering close-up experiences of astonishing discoveries, provide an unforgettable journey to feel the romance of timeless epics. After leaving the cinema, why not take that next step into the real journey of history that continues to evolve?

About Turkey Turkey has long been regarded as a crossroads connecting Asia and Europe, serving as a hub for cultural exchange and diversity for centuries. With a rich history, archaeological sites, natural beauty, and cuisine reflecting diverse civilizations, it is a multifaceted destination. Blending tradition and modernity in art and fashion, and offering dynamic shopping and entertainment, Turkey continues to captivate visitors from around the world. In 2025, a record-breaking 64 million tourists visited from around the globe. In 2023, the Turkish Republic