A 1,500-year-old floor mosaic featuring a Greek inscription has been uncovered during archaeological excavations at Sanliurfa Castle (also known as Urfa), south of the Balikligöl district in southeastern Turkey.
The discovery, made during the final phase of the 2025 excavation season, reveals intricate designs and offers new insight into the region’s early Christian past.
The mosaic, built with small stones in red, black, and white, includes detailed botanical motifs, animal figures, and geometric patterns.
It also bears a Greek inscription, believed to follow a Byzantine epigraphic format, commemorating Count Anakas and requesting protection for him and his family. Experts say these points point to a possible religious or commemorative function for the site.
Şanlıurfa'daki tarihi Urfa Kalesi'nde yürütülen kazılarda, 5. yüzyıla ait yazıtlı mozaik gün yüzüne çıkarıldı
▪️ Siyah, kırmızı ve beyaz mozaik taşlarıyla oluşturulan Grekçe yazıtlı taban mozaiğinde bitkisel motiflerin yanı sıra hayvan figürleri ve geometrik desenler yer alıyor… pic.twitter.com/b7B5UoYKH9
— Anadolu Ajansı (@anadoluajansi) October 20, 2025
Sanliurfa: Ancient Edessa
The earliest name of the city was Adma recorded in Assyrian cuneiform during the Old Assyrian period. After Alexander the Great conquered the city in the 300s BC, Alexander’s commander , Seleucus I , renamed the city Edessa, meaning “Abounding in Water.” Following the defeat of the Seleucids in the Seleucid–Parthian Wars, Edessa became capital of the Kingdom of Osroene, with a mixed Syriac and Hellenistic culture. The city became a center of Greek and Syriac theological and philosophical thought, hosting the famed School of Edessa.
Religious significance and historical context
Excavation director and Batman University professor Gülriz Kozbe said early analysis suggests the mosaic likely served as the floor of a church, chapel, or a martyrium — a shrine built to honor a martyr.
She noted that the structure dates between 460 and 495 A.D. and identified several religious officials mentioned in the inscription. Among them are Bishop Kyros, a priest named Elyas (or Elias), and a deacon named Rabulus, who likely also served as a principal reader.
In one corner of the mosaic, archaeologists found medallion-shaped designs representing air, water, earth, and fire — the classical elements. Kozbe believes similar symbols may appear in all four corners, potentially reflecting the religious symbolism of the time.
She added that further study is needed to understand how these elements were used in ritual or symbolic contexts.
Burials and future excavation plans
Kozbe confirmed that this year’s excavation work at the castle has concluded and will resume next year. She also said there is evidence that religious figures connected to the site may have been buried there.
At least three graves were found, similar to earlier tombs discovered on the southern slope of the castle and in the nearby Edessa necropolis.
Sanliurfa Governor Hasan Şıldak highlighted the importance of the find, noting the role such discoveries play in revealing the city’s ancient heritage.
He said the castle had suffered damage during the February 2023 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, but restoration and excavation efforts have made substantial progress since 2024. The goal is to complete the project by the end of 2026 and open the site to the public.
Şıldak emphasized that the mosaic is currently under protection and called the discovery a key development for both cultural preservation and tourism in the region.
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