Discovered artifice in Şanlıurfa unveiled as antiquated rock-hewn burial site
Ancient Rock-Cut Tomb Discovered in Şanlıurfa, Turkey
In the southern province of Şanlıurfa, a significant archaeological discovery has been made. In the Köseveli village of the Suruç district, a rock-cut tomb was unearthed in a pistachio field[1]. Initially mistaken for an artificial cave or animal shelter, this ancient tomb dates back thousands of years and resembles Egyptian rock-cut tombs[1].
The tomb's structure consists of a single-chambered design with an east-west oriented dromos (entrance corridor)[2]. It features three niches on each side within a main vaulted chamber, some with rounded arches[2]. The entrance faces west and is adorned with a cross motif near the doorway[1]. Inside, inscriptions decorate the vaulted sections above the burial niches[1].
The tomb's discovery adds to Şanlıurfa's rich archaeological heritage, connecting it to ancient burial traditions[3]. The governor of Şanlıurfa has officially documented and protected the tomb as part of the city’s cultural inventory[3], highlighting its importance in understanding the region's ancient history[3].
Şanlıurfa itself is an historically critical area, also known for sites such as Göbekli Tepe—one of the oldest known ritual sanctuaries globally, dating back to the 9th–10th millennium BCE[4]. This context underscores the area's long-standing cultural and religious prominence in prehistoric times[4].
The tomb, approximately 1 kilometer west of the village center, was previously believed to be a man-made cave used as an animal shelter or storage[5]. However, recent investigations revealed its true nature as a rock tomb[6]. The historical significance of the site was initially unknown to the locals[7].
No further information about the historical or archaeological significance of the tomb was provided in the article. The Şanlıurfa governor's office has moved to protect the historic site[8]. Inside the tomb, there are symmetrical vaulted sections housing multiple recessed burial niches[2], with inscriptions adorning the vaulted areas above[1].
This rare example of ancient funerary architecture in Şanlıurfa reveals aspects of local burial customs and contributes to the broader understanding of the region's prehistoric cultural landscape[3][4]. The tomb, with its cross motif and Egyptian-like structure, is a fascinating addition to Turkey's rich archaeological history.
[1] https://www.dailysabah.com/archaeology/2021/08/23/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-discovered-in-sanliurfa-turkey [2] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/news/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-with-rounded-arches-discovered-in-sanliurfa-165886 [3] https://www.dailysabah.com/archaeology/2021/08/23/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-discovered-in-sanliurfa-turkey [4] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/news/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-with-rounded-arches-discovered-in-sanliurfa-165886 [5] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/news/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-with-rounded-arches-discovered-in-sanliurfa-165886 [6] https://www.dailysabah.com/archaeology/2021/08/23/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-discovered-in-sanliurfa-turkey [7] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/news/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-with-rounded-arches-discovered-in-sanliurfa-165886 [8] https://www.dailysabah.com/archaeology/2021/08/23/ancient-rock-cut-tomb-discovered-in-sanliurfa-turkey
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