Ancient church unearthed in Türkiye sheds light on historical heritage

Archaeologists excavating one of the world’s oldest settlements, Harran, have uncovered the remains of a significant 5th-century church, shedding light on the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

Harran, a site on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is revealing its ancient secrets through ongoing archaeological efforts.

Professor Mehmet Onal head of the Harran Excavation and a member of Harran University’s Archaeology Department, detailed the findings. Supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Sanliurfa Governorship, and various local institutions, the excavation aims to uncover Harran’s buried history.

“Our current focus is on the church located 200 meters (656.1 feet) north of the Harran Grand Mosque,” said Onal.

“We have uncovered a significant portion of the church’s northern nave, part of a large basilica plan structure. The church features ornate acanthus leaf decorations on its column capitals, indicating its grand scale and artistic detail.”

The team has also discovered columns and capitals from a portico on the church’s northern side, many of which had fallen over time.

“This is just the beginning,” Onal noted. “As we continue to excavate, we expect to uncover the church’s apse and other sections.”

Dating the church to the 5th century, Onal emphasized its significance: “This is one of the largest cathedral-level churches in Southeastern Anatolia, measuring over 70 meters in length and constructed from cut stone blocks.

We have found glass mosaic tesserae used in the church’s walls and arches, typical of the era’s church decorations. We believe the church’s floor will also reveal intricate mosaics.”

Historical impact, preservation efforts

Professor Onal highlighted that the church suffered during the Mongol invasions and from natural disasters.

“Our studies show that the church was burned and destroyed by the Mongols, and subsequent earthquakes caused significant structural damage,” he explained. “The northern nave’s wall has collapsed entirely, providing clear evidence of seismic activity.”

Besides the church, the excavation team works on a nearby madrasa and the recently restored and reopened Harran Grand Mosque, enriching our understanding of the region’s diverse historical layers.

The uncovering of this church not only enriches the historical narrative of Harran but also underscores the resilience and continuity of human settlements in the face of adversity.

As excavations progress, more of Harran’s ancient secrets are expected to come to light, offering a deeper appreciation of its historical significance.