Ancient stained glass unearthed at Türkiye’s Harran Cathedral excavation

Excavations at the historic Harran archaeological site, listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, have revealed mosaic tiles and stained glass fragments believed to be the oldest in the region. These colorful artifacts adorned the grand cathedral—a key feature of one of the world’s oldest settlements.

Largest cathedral in region

Professor Mehmet Onal, head of the archaeology department at Harran University and lead archaeologist for the site, highlighted the significance of the discovery. “This is not an ordinary basilica. With its length exceeding 50 meters (656.1 feet), we classify it as Harran’s cathedral—a structure much larger than a standard church,” Onal explained.

The cathedral, located 200 meters north of the iconic Harran Ulu Mosque, has revealed much of its northern nave, walls and intricately carved column capitals.

Excavators also uncovered three rare northern-facing doors, further underscoring its architectural importance.

“Once the excavations are complete, we aim to restore the cathedral and open the site for visitors after appropriate landscaping,” Onal said.

Harran Cathedral’s rare mosaic and stained glass fragments

The team has unearthed several unique findings, including golden tesserae—small mosaic pieces often used to create dazzling wall art. These fragments, found in arches and vaults, suggest intricate ornamentation throughout the structure.

“Based on early Byzantine church characteristics, we date this cathedral to the fifth century A.D., making these stained glass pieces the oldest in the region,” Onal stated.

The stained glass fragments, in shades of blue, green, and purple, were likely part of the cathedral’s windows.

“These vibrant colors filtered light into the interior, enhancing the spiritual ambiance during prayers and scripture readings,” Onal explained.

Glimpse into sacred artifacts

The excavation also unearthed glass artifacts, including vessels adorned with intricate designs, believed to have been used for baptisms or carrying holy water.

Notably, Onal expressed hopes of discovering depictions of Prophet Abraham in the mosaics, given Harran’s association as his ancestral city in Abrahamic religions.

“This cathedral is a treasure trove of history, and every artifact deepens our understanding of Harran’s role in early Christianity and its artistic heritage,” Onal concluded.

With its grand scale and ornate decoration, Harran’s cathedral stands as a testament to the region’s religious and architectural significance in antiquity.

The continued excavations promise to unveil more clues about its storied past, offering invaluable insights into early Byzantine art and culture.