* Photos: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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Prof. Dr. İrfan Yıldız from the Faculty of Education of Dicle University (DÜ) has been conducting surface research to identify the medieval and post-medieval cultural heritage in Turkey's southeastern province of Diyarbakır and its districts for the past 10 years.

As part of the research approved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, two Syriac inscriptions have been discovered in a rock-cut tomb in Bahçeköy, which is located in the north-east of Hasuni caves.

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Prof. Dr. Yıldız has indicated that the picture of the inscriptions were analyzed by the High Priest of Mardin Kırklar Church Gabriel Akyüz and they have then concluded that they are "gravestone" inscriptions of Syriac people.

'A first in the literature'

Yıldız has continued as follows:

"It is the first time that a rock-cut tomb with Syriac inscriptions have been found as part of the works conducted in the region. It is a first in the literature. Syriac people predominantly reside in this part of Turkey.

"We have not reached the information that a rock-cut tomb with Syriac inscriptions has ever been found in Turkey. Therefore, this rock-cut tomb with Syriac inscriptions might be a first in Turkey."

It was also used as a 'chapel'

Indicating that there are small tombs on the left and right of the main rock-cut tomb, Yıldız has also said that the religious figures and prominent people of the Syriacs were buried next to or under the church:

"We have not reached clear information on whether the burial chambers were constructed during or after the period of Syriacs.

"The niche in the east of inscriptions is also an architectural element (apsis), it also revokes a niche. Thus, we think that this part was also used as a chapel, which is described as the temple or sanctuary of Christians.

'A rock-cut tomb for the first time.

"That being the case, the following question comes to minds: 'Were rock-cut tombs built in the period of Syriacs?'. Because it is the first time that we encounter a rock-cut tomb with inscriptions.

"It is an important data for us that we have come across a rock-cut tomb with Syriac inscriptions. We will continue our research with further studies." (TP/SD)