BOSPORUS Tunnel: 8000-year-old Europeans, Oldest Istanbulites

[L. Coyote]

8000-year-old Europeans, Oldest Istanbulites, wait for city decision
Saturday, September 13, 2008 - http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=115135

While the construction workers expected the Yenikapı site turned over to them in August… archaeological excavations are continuing apace in September while a decision by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is awaited ....

Four human skeletons were uncovered with funerary gifts at their sides, and it has since been determined they belonged to the Neolithic Period, some 8,000 years ago. News of these intriguing graves and the evidence has been reverberating ever since. “In July 2008 the Yenikapı archaeological work reached a layer nearly 6.3 meters below sea level and found graves that belong to Istanbul's prehistory. The graves, dated to between 6,000 and 6,300 years ago, show that there was an important settlement in the prehistoric era that remained unknown until today. The graves and their remains were placed in plaster of Paris casts by an experienced expert to ensure their protection. After this it is envisioned that the plaster of Paris mould will be opened under proper conditions and the whole of each grave will be put in a silicon cast. After this cast has been made, both the skeletons and the other remains will undergo the necessary investigation by experts. It is said that examples taken from the bones will determine the exact radioactive life of the 8,000-year-old Istanbulites.” ..............