Large rock-cut necropolis excavated in Turkey's southeast

A large number of expansive rock tombs which could constitute part of the world’s largest necropolis have been discovered during work carried out by the Şanlıurfa Municipality around the historic Urfa Castle in southeastern Turkey.

Rock-cut tombs around Urfa Castle [Credit: Hurriyet]

Within the scope of the works carried out by archaeologists on the area of some 45,000 square meters, nearly 80 tombs have been restored so far, while roads have been built and environmental arrangements have been made in the area.

These restorations were important steps to help turn the southeastern province into a center of attraction.

Urfa Castle was built by the Osroene, a nomadic Nabatean tribe, and served as an administrative centre for the nobles of Edessa and their kings, called Abgar or Manu.

Among the newly found tombs, one was situated on the highest part of the castle’s hill and was bigger than the other tombs with rooms for 10 people.

Also, floor mosaics were found in one of the tombs.

Syriac inscriptions and fine engravings can also be seen in another tomb in the area.

Officials said the area could be the world’s largest necropolis when the other rock tombs in the skirts of the castle, in the Kızılkoyun and Dedeosman neighborhoods, were fully uncovered.

Source: Hurriyet Daily News [July 11, 2016]