Roman traces found in Harran

ŞANLIURFA - Anatolia News Agency

During archaeological excavations in Harran, a few worksfrom the Roman period have been found. AA photo

Traces from the Roman period have been found during restoration work in the Harran district of the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa. Harran is one of the oldest settlements in the world and was once the capital of the Assyrians and Emevis.

Şanlıurfa Museum Director Müslüm Ercan said that Harran had been settled since the 6th century BC and they were undertaking archaeological excavations to revive the ancient structures in many parts of the city.

Recent restoration work is continuing in the Harran Inner Castle, which was constructed by the Emevi ruler Mervan II in 750 A.D. and is made up of three storeys and 15 rooms.

“As the Şanlıurfa Museum Directorate, we have started archaeological excavations to support the restoration. Now 70 workers are involved in the project. During the restoration work we have unearthed pillar drums, column headings and two tablets with Greek writing on it. The findings date back to the Roman period. We will try to read it,” he said.