24 July 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

1,500-Year-Old Stained Glass and Mosaics Discovered at Harran Cathedral Excavation in Türkiye

Recent excavations at the historic Harran archaeological site, which is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, have yielded rare mosaic tiles and stained glass fragments that are conjecturally dated to the fifth century, positioning them among the oldest known examples in the region.

These remarkable artifacts are believed to have adorned the grand cathedral, a significant architectural feature of one of the world’s earliest settlements.

According to Professor Dr. Mehmet Önal, the site director of the Archaeology Department at Harran University, the recent and rare findings uncovered during the excavation of the cathedral ruins offer valuable insights into the architectural design of this historic structure.

 Professor Önal emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating, “This is not an ordinary basilica. With a length exceeding 50 meters (656.1 feet), we classify it as Harran’s cathedral—a structure that is considerably larger than a standard church.”

The cathedral, situated 200 meters north of the renowned Harran Ulu Mosque, has revealed significant portions of its northern nave, walls, and intricately carved column capitals. Excavators have also uncovered three rare doors facing north, which further emphasize the architectural significance of the structure.

The excavation team has uncovered a series of remarkable artifacts, including golden tesserae—small mosaic pieces renowned for their use in creating stunning wall art. These fragments, discovered within the arches and vaults of the cathedral, indicate a level of intricate ornamentation that likely adorned the entire structure, highlighting its artistic and architectural significance.

Artifacts unearthed during excavations at Harran Cathedral, Sanliurfa, Türkiye. Credit: AA
Artifacts unearthed during excavations at Harran Cathedral, Sanliurfa, Türkiye. Credit: AA

Professor Önal highlighted the discovery of gold-gilded glass mosaic tesserae utilized in the construction of the cathedral’s walls, arches, and vaults, noting that fallen brick vaults had also been previously unearthed. He expressed optimism regarding the potential discovery of floor mosaics, stating, ” Given that Harran is closely associated with Prophet Abraham and is considered his ancestral city, we expect to find a depiction of Abraham in the mosaics.”

Art historians have conducted examinations of the artifacts, including colored glass pieces embedded in plaster, which have been classified as stained glass. Professor Önal noted that their collective assessments indicate that these findings may represent some of the earliest examples in the region.

“Our analysis suggests that the church is one of the early Byzantine churches in this area, which is why these stained glass pieces are regarded as the earliest in the region, dating back to the fifth century. Therefore, the first instances of colored glass in this region may be observed here,” he explained.

The stained glass fragments, in shades of blue, green, and purple, were likely part of the cathedral’s windows.

Harran Cathedral’s rare stained glass fragments. Credit: AA
Harran Cathedral’s rare stained glass fragments. Credit: AA

The excavation has also revealed a collection of glass artifacts, including intricately designed vessels that are believed to have been used for baptisms or for carrying holy water.

Professor Önal emphasized the historical significance of the cathedral, stating that it serves as a treasure trove of history, with each artifact contributing to a deeper understanding of Harran’s role in early Christianity and its artistic heritage.

In conclusion, the ongoing excavations at the Harran archaeological site continue to unveil significant artifacts that shed light on the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The discoveries, including intricate glass vessels and ancient mosaics, not only enhance our understanding of Harran’s role in early Christianity but also highlight its artistic legacy. As the excavation team persists in their work, further findings are anticipated, promising to deepen our knowledge of this remarkable site and its contributions to the history of the region.

Cover Image Credit: AA

Related Articles

12,000-Year-Old rock art may depict extinct giants of the ice age

13 March 2022

13 March 2022

South America was filled with ice age animals more than 12,000 years ago, including car-sized ground sloths, elephantine herbivores, and...

Archaeologists have discovered another exceptional find in Mérida

12 August 2023

12 August 2023

In Mérida, Spain, archaeologists recently discovered an “enormous” Roman bath. But it is that inside these baths, in the area...

Roman soldier’s 1,900-year-old payslip uncovered in Masada

16 February 2023

16 February 2023

During excavations at Masada, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities (IAA) uncovered a papyrus payslip dated to 72 BC belonging to...

Scientists Use Artificial İntelligence to Study Ancient Australian Rock Art

1 April 2021

1 April 2021

Rock art is the oldest surviving human art form. Throughout Australia, petroglyphs are part of the life and customs of...

The First Dinosaurs Discovered in Japan From the Late Cretaceous Period

30 April 2021

30 April 2021

Yamatosaurus Izanagii, a new genus, and species of hadrosaur or duck-billed dinosaur have been discovered on one of Japan’s southern...

Silk Road archaeological discoveries draw attention despite the pandemic

20 June 2021

20 June 2021

A report prepared by more than 30 global experts believes that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, archaeological discoveries related to the...

An Avar Warrior Buried with Lamellar Armor and Equipment Discovered in Hungary

3 February 2024

3 February 2024

Archaeologists of the Déri Museum in Debrecen (eastern Hungary) found the tomb of a fully armed and with a complete...

An Amazing Discovery in the 1900-year-old Rock Church, – Sand Dollar Fossil

5 March 2024

5 March 2024

Located in the eastern province of Diyarbakır’s Eğil district, the rock church, the walls of which are decorated with different...

Hittite Royal Seal Warns ‘Whoever Breaks This Will Die’

7 July 2024

7 July 2024

During the excavations in Kırıkkale, a cuneiform seal used by the royal family during the Hittite Empire was unearthed. The...

Infinite Embrace: New research sheds light on Bronze Age family relationships that link Britain to Luxembourg

30 January 2024

30 January 2024

A new study of early Bronze Age examples from Luxembourg and Britain, led by researchers from the universities of Mainz...

Two unique mid-14th-century shipwrecks discovered in Sweden

22 April 2023

22 April 2023

During an archaeological dig in western Sweden this summer, the remains of two medieval merchant vessels known as cogs were...

An ancient bronze hand may be the oldest and longest example of Vasconic script

20 February 2024

20 February 2024

Researchers have discovered rare evidence of an enigmatic ancient language on a 2,000-year-old bronze hand. The inscription on the hand...

According to new research, medieval warhorses were shockingly diminutive in height

12 January 2022

12 January 2022

Medieval warhorses are often depicted as massive and powerful beasts, but in reality, many were no more than pony-sized by...

Over 4 feet long sword found in a medieval grave in Sweden

29 December 2023

29 December 2023

An unusual and exciting discovery was made during archaeological research at Lilla Torg in the port city of Halmstad on...

134 ancient settlements discovered north of Hadrian’s Wall

26 May 2022

26 May 2022

134 ancient settlements have been found during a survey of the region north of Hadrian’s Wall in the United Kingdom....