Hatay’s hidden history unearthed beneath earthquake rubble

Rescue excavations are underway in Hatay, Türkiye, after the discovery of a historical structure believed to date back to the Late Antique period. The site was uncovered during debris removal from a house destroyed in the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras.

Hidden beneath rubble

The two-story detached house, located on Kurtulus Street in Antakya district, was reduced to rubble during the devastating earthquakes. As workers cleared the debris, they uncovered remnants of an ancient structure beneath the residence.

Following an official report, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums granted permission for a rescue excavation at the site.

Clues from Hatay’s Late Antique period

Ali Celikay, acting director of the Hatay Archaeology Museum, revealed that the excavation has been ongoing for three weeks. Speaking about the findings, Celikay said:

Our work has uncovered structures dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries A.D., from the Late Antique Period. Among the remains is a vaulted structure that has remarkably survived nearly intact to this day. While we have yet to determine its exact purpose, we believe it could be the remnants of a chapel or possibly a tomb.

From discovery to tourism

Celikay emphasized the significance of the site and stated that efforts will be made to fully uncover the structure and understand its function. Once this is achieved, plans will be developed to integrate the site into the region’s tourism offerings.

This discovery highlights the deep historical layers of Antakya, a region renowned for its ancient heritage. Further excavations promise to shed light on this fascinating chapter of Türkiye’s past.