Ancient mosaics comes to light in Turkey's Şanlıurfa

ŞANLIURFA

AA photo

Five floor mosaics believed to date back 2,000 years have been unearthed during excavations in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa. 

According to a written statement released by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, some rock tombs were unearthed around Urfa Castle 10 months ago. New archaeological excavations subsequently started in the field, and nearly 80 more rock tombs were discovered. Archaeologists unearthed the mosaics during their works on the rock tombs. 

The mosaics and rock tombs that feature Syriac inscriptions and fine engravings are believed to date back to the Edessa Kingdom, which was dominant in the city between 132 B.C. and 639 A.D. 

“Works have reached the caves where people lived during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. We can see the paintings of dead people on the mosaics. When the project work is done, these places will open to tourism. Tourists will be able to visit this field,” Şanlıurfa Mayor Nihat Çiftçi said.