Ancient mosaics found at earthquake site in Türkiye

A three-story building in the Maşuklu neighborhood of Antakya district, Türkiye, collapsed during the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023.

After the debris was removed, construction work began on the site to rebuild the structure. During the excavation of the building’s foundation, workers discovered a mosaic-covered area, prompting the suspension of construction, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

In March, a rescue excavation was launched under the leadership of the Hatay Archaeology Museum to uncover the mosaic area.

Excavations revealed floor mosaics in three different sections. Ongoing work since March has brought to light a 17.5-meter-long geometric-patterned floor mosaic dating to the Late Antique period, specifically the 5th and 6th centuries AD, featuring a Greek inscription.

Mosaic to be moved to the museum

Archaeologist Ozan Demir told Anadolu Agency reporters that work is continuing in the area with two archaeologists and eight workers to uncover mosaics and architectural remains.

Demir stated that the uncovered mosaic is a single piece and shows signs of period repairs.

“The mosaic will be transferred to the museum in 2026. Work will continue in other parts of the site to reconstruct the architectural fabric and reveal archaeological data. Mosaics are not something normally found in every home, so we can say this was the residence of someone with high status,” he said.

As reported by CE Report, Demir added that after the 17.5-meter-long geometric mosaic, work will also be carried out on the other two mosaics in the area.

Archaeologist Mert Nalbantoğlu noted that the mosaic is extremely valuable due to its excellent state of preservation and the presence of an inscription.