Mosaics of the early Byzantine period were revealed in Sinope Koimesis Church

In the city of Sinope, in Turkey, there is the complex of Mithridates Palaces, in the center of which is an early Christian church, dating to approximately 660 AD, which is known as the “Church of the Palaces” (Balatlar Kilisesi).

Excavations at the 2,300-year-old Palace began 11 years ago with the support of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

At this stage, the excavation team, led by Gülgün Köroğlu, Professor of the Department of Art History at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, is working to bring to light the mosaics found in it.

Tens of thousands of objects and burial chambers dating back to the 7th century have already been discovered during the excavations that took place in previous years. It is noted that in 2013 a stone box was found, which contained a piece of wood, which is considered part of the Holy Cross. This find was transferred and kept in the Archaeological Museum of Sinope.

Speaking to Hurriyet Daily News, Köroğlu said that during recent excavations, which began in mid-July, mosaics similar to those of the ancient city of Zeugma, dating between the 5th and 6th centuries, were found.

Emphasizing that the mosaics found are of remarkable importance for the Black Sea region, the head of the excavation pointed out that they are mosaics found in the tombs of the rich of the Early Byzantine period.

As Köroğlu explained, after the restoration of the mosaics is completed, the tombs will be unveiled. For this year, the project will be completed in November, while it will start again next March.

Source: vema.com.au