A 1,500-year-old structure believed to be one of the earliest churches in Anatolia has been unearthed during archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Hadrianapolis (Paphlagonia) in the Black Sea province of Karabük’s Eskipazar district.
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Speaking to the media, Ersin Çelikbaş, a member of Karabük University’s archaeology department, said the structure is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Anatolia.
“The find dates back to the mid-fifth century. When we take into consideration church architectures in Anatolia, we can say that this one is one of the earliest churches in Anatolia. Ancient resources on Saint Alypios the Stylite mention the existence of a men’s monastery and women’s monastery belonging to him in Eskipazar. In our works, we have a big opportunity to detect the existence of these monasteries or churches. The church is in a very important location. It is nearly 20 metres in length and has significant floor coverings,” he said.
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Excavations for the structure, whose floor is decorated with mosaics, have been continuing under the inspection of Kastamonu Museum.
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Located three kilometres to the east of Eskipazar, Hadrianapolis had settlements in the late Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine periods. Archaeological surface surveys have uncovered 14 public buildings and other structures in the ancient city.
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The church floors are decorated with mosaics depicting the rivers of Geon, Phison, Tigris and Euphrates, which are mentioned in the Bible. Various animals also feature in the mosaics of the ancient city, which has been likened to the ancient city of Zeugma.
Excavation works in Hadrianapolis started in 2003 and have been continuing with intervals.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News [February 06, 2018]