According to the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, Georgian researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to confirm whether a recently discovered tomb in Ardanuç Castle indeed belongs to Ashot I Kuropalates.

The Agency expressed appreciation for the efforts of Turkish archaeologists in conducting scientific research at Ardanuç Castle—historically known as a key political center of the Tao-Klarjeti region.

A joint archaeological team from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University and Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported uncovering a tomb beneath the ruins of the Church of Peter and Paul in the fortress-city of Ardanuç (known historically in Georgian as Gevhernik). Based on their initial findings, they believe the tomb may belong to the renowned Georgian monarch Ashot I Kuropalates.

Georgian experts, led by Professor Vakhtang Japaridze and representing the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation, visited the excavation site, where Turkish archaeologists presented their ongoing work and recent findings, including the tomb in question.

However, due to the absence of human remains or inscriptions within the tomb, Georgian researchers caution that more comprehensive studies are necessary before any definitive attribution can be made.

"The discovery is intriguing, but without physical remains or identifying inscriptions, further analysis is essential to verify any connection to Ashot I Kuropalates," the Agency's statement noted.