Ancient underground structures in Sanliurfa: Roman columbariums or pigeon houses?

The columbariums, underground structures where urns containing the ashes of the deceased were placed, from the Roman period in the Haliliye and Bozova districts of Sanliurfa are being documented.

🟡 Kültür Envanteri Projesi kapsamında Haliliye’de Senem Mağaralarında ve Bozova’da bir vatandaşımızın bahçesinde bulunan Roma Dönemine ait Kolumbaryumlar da kayıt altına alınıyor.

🟠 Daha çok Roma şehrinde görülen, Anadolu’da az sayıda örneği bulunan bu yer altı yapıları,… pic.twitter.com/JQHwnzVR8r

— Hasan ŞILDAK (@hasansildak) March 16, 2025

Roman-era relics in Sanliurfa

Governor Hasan Sildak shared on social media that columbariums had been discovered in the Haliliye and Bozova districts. He emphasized that these structures, dating back to the Roman era, are among rare examples found in Anatolia.

According to Sildak, the columbariums are underground structures where niches were used to hold urns containing the ashes of the deceased. He further explained that this type of structure is quite rare, with only a few examples remaining in the region.

Exploring definition and historical significance of pigeon lofts

Pigeon lofts, built specifically for the accommodation, reproduction, and protection of pigeons, have been integral throughout history. They offer protection from predators and human interference, as well as provide food and water for the birds. With roots dating back to ancient times, these structures, known by various names such as “kushane” and “dovecote,” have appeared in different architectural styles across the world.

In Ancient Rome, pigeon manure was considered a valuable commodity, and pigeons were also used for communication and military purposes.

Pigeon lofts, established as a significant secondary industry within the socio-economic context of the time, can be classified into two distinct architectural types. One is rock-cut pigeon lofts, and the other is chimney-style pigeon lofts, which are distinguished by their protruding chimney-like extensions.

Pigeon lofts during Ottoman period

In the Ottoman Empire, pigeons were valued across all social classes, from common folk to royalty. Special birdhouses were built in palaces for this purpose. Pigeon manure, particularly in regions like Cappadocia, was used to enhance grape yields, in Kayseri for the production of “cehri,” and in Diyarbakir for increasing watermelon crop yields. This manure was found to contain a high percentage of organic matter, as well as zinc and phosphoric acid.

Distinguishing between pigeon lofts and columbarium tombs

Pigeon lofts and columbarium tombs are sometimes confused with each other. This confusion often arises because some columbarium tombs were later repurposed as pigeon lofts.

As a result, it is important to carefully examine the columbarium tombs in Sanliurfa to better understand the distinctions between them and pigeon lofts.