A one of a kind breakthrough has been discovered by archaeologists in Turkey as they may have found one of the oldest churches in Asia Minor in the province of Karabuk, Turkey.
In an excavation site at the ancient city of Hadrianapolis located under Eskipazar district, 160km north of Ankara, archaeologists uncovered a 1,500 year old structure which may lead to the discovery of a monastery that used to be in the town in the past.
According to Ersin Celikbas, a member of the Karabuk University Archaeology department, the structure discovered may be one of the earliest churches in Anatolia and has images of the four rivers of the Asia Minor - Geon, Tigris, Euphrates and Phison - all which are mentioned in the Bible.
Celikbas said, 'The find dates back to the mid-5th century. When we take into consideration church architectures in Anatolia, we can say this one is one of the earliest churches in Anatolia.'
Furthermore, 'Ancient resources on Saint Stylos Alpius mention the existence of a men's monastery and women's monastery belonging to him in Eskipazar. In our works, we have a big opportunity to detect the existence of these monasteries or churches. The church is in a very important location. It is nearly 20 metres in length and has significant floor coverings.'
The location is considered one of the most important locations in the Christian world as it at the Amasra harbor where the first Christians arrived in the region. Later on, these Christians visited Istanbul and conducted business there.
Celikbas also adds that the digs in Hadrianapolis began in 2003 and since then, 14 buildings were discovered, as well as other important structures.
