Remains of Byzantine church discovered during infrastructure work in NW Turkey

Remains from a 1,500-year-old church have been discovered during infrastructure works by Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ) on the Asian shore of the Bosporus, reports said Wednesday.

Ancient remains dating back 1,500 years were unearthed when İSKİ teams started conducting excavations for the shaft which would transfer water to the waste water treatment facility around six months ago, Ihlas News Agency (IHA) reported.

Istanbul Archaeology Museum officials were reportedly informed about the remains, including a pillar with unique patterns.

After doing research, museum officials reportedly said that the structure was as old as the city's famous Hagia Sophia Museum.

Shopkeepers around the area have complained that the infrastructure work has negatively affected their business, as officials have closed the road leading to their stores.

Selim Altın, a shopkeeper in the area complained to IHA that they were told by İSKİ officials that the excavation would take only two months, but has still not been finished even though it has been over six months.

Photos taken in the area show walls and rooms of what is thought to be the ancient church.

Beylerbeyi is a neighbourhood in Istanbul's Üsküdar district [Greek Scutàrion], whose history dates back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by Greek colonists.

Source: Daily Sabah [April 26, 2017]