KIRSEHIR, Trkiye, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Located in the Kirsehir province in Trkiye's Central Anatolia region, the Kaman-Kalehoyuk Archaeological Museum has impressed many visitors with a captivating journey through time.

The museum offers tourists a unique opportunity to witness ongoing excavation work and explore the evolvement of ancient civilizations.

Launched in 2010 as a grant by the Japanese government within the framework of a cultural heritage protection project, the museum displays remarkable artifacts unearthed in the area since 1986 by a joint team of Japanese and Turkish archaeologists.

"We created this museum to ensure these priceless artifacts remain protected on-site and shared with the public," said Izzet Esen, director of the museum.

The collection spans from the early Bronze Age till today, with artifacts from the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, and the Ottoman Empire.

"A unique treasure is a piece of glasswork dating back to 1600 B.C., showcasing the region's early glass production," Esen explained.

In the Hittite section, a griffin illustration, partially destroyed due to a severe fire, is displayed. This lion-eagle hybrid, reflecting Akkadian culture, is believed to represent the storm god, Adad, and dates back to around 2200-2300 B.C. during the Akkadian Empire.

The museum also features Chinese porcelain from the Ottoman Empire, dating from the 1500s to the 1800s. "These pieces highlight the long-standing trade relations between the Ottoman Empire and the Far East," Esen said.

The museum is committed to engaging guests in hands-on experiences that bring history to life. "Visitors, especially children, are encouraged to touch the artifacts, creating a direct connection with objects crafted thousands of years ago," Esen noted.

In 2011, the museum earned the "Best Green Museum" title and was nominated for "Museum of the Year in Europe" in 2012. The complex also boasts the largest botanical garden outside Japan, designed in a Japanese style.

The Central Anatolia region's rich history has been shaped by the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Germiyanids, and Ottomans. Archaeological findings even reveal traces of human settlement from the dawn of civilization.

Trkiye has stepped up archaeological excavations in recent years. According to Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the annual number of archaeological projects rose from 670 in 2021 to 720 in 2023. This number stood at 765 in 2024 and is expected to reach 800 by 2026.

These rising numbers and ambitious goals underscore Trkiye's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and uncovering new historical treasures, experts said.

Celal Simsek, head of the Archaeology Department at Pamukkale University, highlighted the crucial role of such efforts in helping visitors, especially younger generations, gain a deeper understanding of archaeology.

"Many are unaware of the significance of these remarkable findings in the region, but with dedicated efforts, I believe visitor numbers will increase," he told Xinhua in a recent interview, believing the public awareness of the importance of artifact preservation will improve accordingly.

Simsek also stressed the importance of involving international students in archaeological projects, as their participation can spark global interest and foster a wider appreciation of cultural heritage.