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Turkish archaeologists recently unearthed a 1,500-year-old ruin christian floor mosaic It is located in Urfa, a city traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Abraham.
The discovery was reported by Ankara-based state media Anadolu Agency (AA) on October 19. Urfa, officially known as Sanliurfa, is located in southeastern Turkey and is home to the historic Urfa Castle, a Byzantine structure.
This mosaic was discovered in Urfa Castle and its origins date back to the 5th century AD. It was built between 460 and 495 AD.
Urfa was once the Mesopotamian city of Edessa and is said to be the birthplace of Abraham. Urfa has long been a place of pilgrimage, although archaeologists now think the ancient city of Ur in Iraq is the most likely. muslims and christians Similar.
Archaeologists have discovered a 1,500-year-old Christian mosaic at Urfa Castle in the Turkish city of Şanliurfa, long thought to be the birthplace of Abraham. (Esbah Ayadin/Anadolu via Getty Images, Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
Photos from the site show small ancient tiles arranged in a geometric pattern and Koine Greek inscriptions. Animal and plant motifs are also depicted.
In addition, archaeologists discovered three burial sites of religious figures at the site, as well as medallion-shaped mosaics representing air, water, earth, and fire.
Excavation leader Güllis Kozbe told AA that the mosaic likely formed part of a Christian site, perhaps a church or basilica dedicated to martyrs.
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“The inscription states that this floor was built to protect Count Anascas and his family, and mentions high-ranking figures in the church such as Bishop Quiros and Bishop Elias,” Kozbe said.
Ancient Byzantine mosaics unearthed at the ruins of Urfa Castle reveal intricate geometric patterns and natural motifs. (Esbah Ayadin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“This helps us identify who was overseeing religious duties in this area at the time.”
The archaeologist added that the symbols in the mosaic, especially the depiction of natural elements, shed light on ancient religious rituals.
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“These symbols give us clues about the religious rituals that were once performed here,” Kozbe said.
The 5th century mosaic was discovered along with a burial site believed to belong to early Christian religious figures. (Esbah Ayadin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Urfa Castle was damaged in the Türkiye-Syria earthquake in February 2023. In an interview with AA, Urfa’s governor, Hasan Surdak, said the discovery represents an important step forward in preserving the city’s historical features.
“We aim to complete the restoration and open the castle to visitors by the end of 2026,” the governor said.
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“This newly discovered Byzantine mosaic is probably the floor of a church and would add great cultural and scientific value to this mosaic. Sanliurfa tourism And history. ”
A Byzantine floor mosaic dating from 460 to 495 AD was discovered at Urfa Castle. (Esbah Ayadin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The discovery is one of many recent discoveries in Asia Minor that have shed light on early Christianity.
Last month, Turkish excavators discovered what had become a Christian holy site in a Roman hospital. Ancient city of Kaunos.
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Archaeologists also excavated more than 60 graves in October. In Colossae, A city immortalized in the Bible.
