The excavations are pursued jointly by Culture & Tourism Ministry and Mustafa Kemal University (MKU).
MKU Archeology Department Chairperson Hatice Pamir told A.A on Monday that the tumulus was examined in 1937 and archeologists found out that it was a commercial center.
Pamir said that according to findings they unearthed in the previous excavations, the region was an important commercial and cultural port city in Bronze age. She added that they also found artifacts belonging to Egypt and Mycenean civilization.
Noting that this year's excavations would be broadened, Pamir said that nearly 30 people including 16 scientists were participating in the excavations.
