Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Persian temple from the fifth century BC in Turkey's northern Amasya province that could rewrite the history of the region.
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| Aerial view of the ancient Persian temple complex at the Oluz Hoyuk settlement in Toklucak village, Amasya province, Turkey [Credit: AA] |
In 11 seasons of excavations, the team uncovered thousands of artifacts, as well as a temple structure.
"In this settlement from the fifth century BC, we discovered a temple complex which is related to a fire culture, more precisely to the early Zoroastrian religion, or to the very original religious life of Anatolian people," Donmez told Anadolu Agency.
Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest extant religions, is believed to have originated from the prophet Zoroaster in present-day Iran. The discovery of a temple for fire worship suggests the religion may have had roots in Anatolia, as well.
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| Artifacts uncovered at the ancient Persian Oluz Hoyuk settlement in Toklucak village, Amasya province, Turkey [Credit: AA] |
Describing the temple, Donmez said it includes a holy room for burning fires and other stone-paved areas with many goods used in worship practices.
"They built a massive religion system here," added Donmez.
Donmez also said Oluz Hoyuk is the only known Persian settlement in the region.
Excavations at Oluz Hoyuk started in 2007, after the site was first discovered during surface research near Tokluca village in 1999.
Donmez and his team plan to continue research work at the site, possibly working on restoring the temple area in the future.
Source: Daily Sabah [November 06, 2017]