Şanlıurfa Museum, Haleplibahçe Mosaics, & Kızılkoyun Necropolis

Last updated on October 5, 2024.

The Şanlıurfa Museum and Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum are two of the finest in Turkey. They’re located just west of the old town of Urfa.

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Beyazsaray Park

Beyazsaray Park (Beyazsaray Parkı) hosts the Haleplibahçe museum complex, which consists of two museums and an archaeological site. The massive Şanlıurfa Museum is on the north side of the park while the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum is towards the south side. The Kızılkoyun Necropolis is across Haleplibahçe Street to the east. The park was developed into a museum campus after a Roman villa was discovered in 2007. The two museums opened to the public on May 24, 2015.

Beyazsaray Park in Urfa, Turkey — Beyazsaray Park

Between the two museum buildings, Beyazsaray Park hosts an exhibition of replica buildings used throughout the history of Urfa. The buildings are arranged in a chronological order, with the earliest example nearest the Şanlıurfa Museum.

Exhibition of replica buildings at Beyazsaray Park in Urfa, Turkey — Exhibition of replica buildings

Paleolithic Age house (10,500 BC) — Paleolithic Age (10,500 BC)

Neolithic Age house (7000-6000 BC) — Neolithic Age (7000-6000 BC)

Chalcolithic Age house (6000-3300 BC) — Chalcolithic Age (6000-3300 BC)

Bronze Age house (3200-1100 BC) — Bronze Age (3200-1100 BC)

Iron Age house (1100-330 BC) — Iron Age (1100-330 BC)

Hellenistic period house (334-140 BC) — Hellenistic period (334-140 BC)

Roman period house (30 BC - 395 AD) — Roman period (30 BC – 395 AD)

Şanlıurfa Museum

The massive Şanlıurfa Museum (Şanlıurfa Müzesi) is on the north end of the park. It opened in 1965 and relocated to its current location in 2015. It houses a collection of artifacts from the region around Urfa and is one of the finest museums in Turkey. It’s also the largest museum in the country in terms of exhibition space.

The museum features 14 exhibition halls set up in chronological order. Over 5,000 artifacts are on display beginning with the Paleolithic Age through the Islamic period. The Neolithic Age collection is among the best in the world.

Şanlıurfa Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Şanlıurfa Museum

Admission is €10 for foreigners (as of October 2024) and it’s open daily. Tickets include entry to the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum. An audioguide is available. There’s also a temporary exhibition hall, a cinema, restaurant and café, playground, and gift shop. Give yourself at least 90 minutes. The collection can be overwhelming but the presentation is excellent. Check the official website for more info.

Entrance to the Şanlıurfa Museum — Entrance

Sculpture in the lobby of the Şanlıurfa Museum — Sculpture in the lobby

Paleolithic Age Exhibition

The first exhibition hall covers the Paleolithic Age. There are very few artifacts on display but the examples of dwellings and hunting bring the exhibit to life.

Paleolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Paleolithic period

Cave dwelling in the Paleolithic period exhibition — Cave dwelling

Simple dwellings in the Paleolithic period exhibition — Simple dwellings

Hunting in the Paleolithic period exhibition — Hunting

Neolithic Period Exhibition

The galleries covering the Neolithic period are the most extensive and most impressive in the museum. They display finds from famous sites such as Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, and Nevali Çori.

Neolithic period exhibition — Neolithic period

Beads and stones from various sites in the Neolithic period exhibition — Beads and stones from various sites

Balıklıgöl Man

Visitors are greeted by Balıklıgöl Man, the world’s oldest known sculpture. The life-sized figure was discovered in the mid-1990s just north of Balıklıgöl. It stands 1.8 meters tall and has large eye sockets filled with obsidian. The statue is naked with his hands folded in front. A V-shaped line depicts a necklace

Finds From Göbekli Tepe

In the next section are several finds from Göbekli Tepe. Most of them are statues, with the most impressive being a life-sized wild boar measuring 1.35 meters x 70 centimeters. It’s made of limestone and was found on a bench in Building D at Göbekli Tepe. The statue is dated between 8700 and 8200 BC. The tongue is painted red and there are black and white pigments on other parts of the body.

Painted pig statue from Göbekli Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Painted pig statue

Head of a leopard from Göbekli Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Head of a leopard

Limestone human statue from Göbekli Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Limestone human statue

Basalt mortars and pestles from Göbekli Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Basalt mortars and pestles

Limestone totem from Göbekli Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition — Limestone totem

Finds From Karahan Tepe

Artifacts from Karahan Tepe are scattered throughout the gallery, with one small room dedicated to the site. There are statues depicting animals and humans as well as everyday items.

Karahan Tepe gallery in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Karahan Tepe gallery

Griffin vulture statue from Karahan Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Griffin vulture statue

Head of a human statue from Karahan Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Head of a human statue

Limestone statue of a human carrying a leopard on his back from Karahan Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Limestone statue of a human carrying a leopard on his back

Stone plates from Karahan Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Stone plates

Replica of Building D at Göbekli Tepe

A highlight of the Neolithic period exhibition is a life-size replica of Building D at Göbekli Tepe. It allows visitors to walk through the building and stand next to the pillars. This gives a better appreciation of how large the pillars are and the work that went into constructing the building. Before entering, there’s an example of how archaeologists believe it was constructed.

Example of how Göbekli Tepe was constructed in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Example of how Göbekli Tepe was constructed

Replica of Building D at Göbekli Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Replica of Building D

Building D is the most well-preserved of the six buildings that have been unearthed thus far. It features 2 T-shaped pillars with a height of 5 meters and weighing up to 30 tonnes. They stand in the center of the building and depict human arms, hands, and foxes. They’re surrounded by 12 more pillars with animal reliefs. Snakes and foxes are the most dominant figures.

Pillar in the replica of Building D at Göbekli Tepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Pillar

Unique Finds

After the replica of Building D are a few unique finds. Among them is a figure depicting a woman giving birth or having intercourse. It was found at Göbekli Tepe and is the only female figure found in the entire region.

Figure of a woman found at Göbeklitepe in the Neolithic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Figure of a woman

Another is a stone ring found at Karahan Tepe. In the entire region, no indication of how people entered buildings have ever been found except for this ring. It was carved directly into the bedrock and gives archaeologists an idea of how buildings were entered through the upper parts of the walls. Portals such as this one may have had ritual significance, possibly the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Stone portal from Karahan Tepe in the Neolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Stone portal

Finds from Nevali Çori

Off to the side is a section dedicated to finds from the 29 structures excavated at Nevali Çori. This settlement, which has since been submerged, revealed a square-shaped building measuring 14 x 14 meters thought to be a temple. It consists of benches made of large flat stones with 12 pillars embedded in certain spots. 2 pillars standing 2.35 meters each are in the center, with reliefs of 2 human arms.

Structure from Nevali Çori in the Neolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Structure from Nevali Çori

Limestone totem from Nevali Çori in the Neolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Limestone totem

Head of a statue from Nevali Çori in the Neolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Head of a statue

Akarçay Tepe

The final section in the Neolithic Age exhibition covers the advent of agriculture and permanent settlements. On display are examples of two structures based on ruins unearthed at Akarçay Tepe belonging to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period, around 8000 BC. One is a single-room structure made of stone and another is a multi-room structure with adobe walls.

Advent of agriculture in the Neolithic Age exhibition — Advent of agriculture

Akarçay Tepe in the Neolithic Age exhibition — Akarçay Tepe

Single-room structure from Akarçay Tepe in the Neolithic Age exhibition — Single-room structure

Multi-room structure from Akarçay Tepe in the Neolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Multi-room structure

Terracotta bowls from Akarçay Tepe (left) and Fıstıklı Höyük (bottom right corner) in the Neolithic Age exhibition — Terracotta bowls from Akarçay Tepe (left) and Fıstıklı Höyük (bottom right corner)

Chalcolithic Age Exhibit

In the Chalcolithic Age exhibit, trade is the main theme. It centered around advanced Mesopotamian cultures such as the Uruk who founded trading colonies in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. They transported raw materials from Anatolia further south and introduced architecture, pottery, and mining techniques to Anatolia.

Trade in the Chalcolithic Age exhibition — Trade

Large earthenware jars from Hassek Höyük in the Chalcolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Large earthenware jars from Hassek Höyük

Later in the 4th millennium BC, a central economy formed in Anatolia due to the richness of raw materials and the development of specialized crafts. Cultures also began to develop political and religious identities rather than cultural and ethnic identities.

Birth of a central economy in the Chalcolithic Age exhibition — Birth of a central economy

Terracotta vessels from Çavi Tarlası (1 & 2) and Kazane Höyük (3) in the Chalcolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Terracotta vessels from Çavi Tarlası (1 & 2) and Kazane Höyük (3)

Terracotta spout jug from Hassek Höyük in the Chalcolithic Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Terracotta spout jug from Hassek Höyük

Limestone eye idols in the Chalcolithic Age exhibition — Limestone eye idols

Bronze Age Exhibition

The next exhibition covers the Bronze Age, starting with an example of an altar at Gre Virike. These altars were an example of a death cult. They were placed around libation channels and sacrificial pits where incense was burned and sacrificial pieces were left. 3 children, 32 vessels, bronze pins, agate beads, and terracotta rattles were found in a grave at the site.

The exhibit continues with an example of a metal workshop. The use of bronze became widespread during the 3rd millennium BC and the Bronze Age, when casting, welding, and plating techniques were developed. A recreation of the Lidar Kitchen based on excavations of Lidar Höyük is nearby. Lidar Höyük was located on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River.

Metal casting workshop in the Bronze Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Metal casting workshop

Casts from Lidar Höyük in the Bronze Age exhibition — Casts from Lidar Höyük

Lidar Kitchen recreation in the Bronze Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Lidar Kitchen

Artifacts on display in the gallery include ceramics and everyday items such as awls and needles. There are also toys and figurines.

Bronze Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Bronze Age

Bronze awls, handles, and needles from Tilbeş Höyük (1) Titriş Höyük (2) and Yukarıgöklü (3 & 4) in the Bronze Age exhibition — Bronze awls, handles, and needles from Tilbeş Höyük (1) Titriş Höyük (2) and Yukarıgöklü (3 & 4)

Terracotta toys in the Bronze Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Terracotta toys

Gazelle figure from Lidar Höyük in the Bronze Age exhibition — Gazelle figure from Lidar Höyük

Terracotta figures from Lidar Höyük (4) and Hassek Höyük (5) in the Bronze Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Terracotta figures from Lidar Höyük (4) and Hassek Höyük (5)

An example of some of the 200 stone cist graves unearthed at Lidar Höyük is near the end of this section. The dead were buried with their knees against their stomachs. Terracotta pots were left next to them. The graves were reopened and used at later dates. Offerings left in the graves consist of terracotta vessels, bronze pins, and bead jewelry.

Lidar Cemetery in the Bronze Age exhibition — Lidar Cemetery

Baby grave from Gre Verike in the Bronze Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Baby grave from Gre Verike

Terracotta pithos from Lidar Höyük in the Bronze Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Terracotta pithos from Lidar Höyük

Stone block with pictures from Lidar Höyük in the Bronze Age exhibition — Stone block with pictures from Lidar Höyük

Iron Age Exhibition

The Iron Age exhibit covers the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian periods in Southeastern Anatolia. It starts with a replica of a Neo-Babylonian structure at Mezraa-Teleilat. Mezraa-Teleilat was originally settled during the Neolithic Age around 8000 BC and was inhabited until it was destroyed by a large flood from the Euphrates River around 5500 BC. Around 1000 BC, it was resettled and thrived during the Neo-Assyrian period. An administrative palace was built during the Neo-Babylonian period. It’s the only Neo-Babylonian palace that has been discovered in Turkey, and features a large gravel courtyard surrounded by grain stores. The settlement was abandoned during the Achaemenid Period.

The rest of the exhibit is a long hall with display cases full of ceramics and tools. The most interesting artifacts are the stelae along the walls. Some are animal figures while others represent humans. There are also a few Hittite artifacts.

Iron Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Iron Age

Hittite bull relief found in Kabahaydar in the Iron Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Hittite bull relief found in Kabahaydar

Bull statue found in Kabahaydar in the Iron Age exhibition — Bull statue found in Kabahaydar

Human relief in the Iron Age exhibition — Human relief

Marble stele found in central Urfa in the Iron Age exhibition — Marble stele found in central Urfa

Among the most impressive are stelae representing Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian kings. The stelae featuring Nabonidus, the last Neo-Babylonian king, contain cuneiform inscriptions.

Embossed inscription with King Nabonidus, 6th century BC, found in Harran in the Iron Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Embossed inscription with King Nabonidus, 6th century BC, found in Harran

Embossed human head stele of Sargon II found in central Urfa in the Iron Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Embossed human head stele of Sargon II found in central Urfa

Votive relief from the Sin Temple in Harran in the Iron Age exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Votive relief from the Sin Temple in Harran

Human relief found in central Urfa in the Iron Age exhibition — Human relief found in central Urfa

Hellenistic Period Exhibition

Next is a small section covering the Hellenistic period in Anatolia. It includes mostly stone artifacts and votive inscriptions with a few terracotta items.

Relief of Psyche in the Hellenistic period exhibition — Relief of Psyche

Terracotta vessels found at Lidar Höyük in the Hellenistic period exhibition — Terracotta vessels found at Lidar Höyük

The Hellenistic period in Anatolia began with Alexander the Great’s crossing of the Dardanelles in 334 BC. Alexander’s empire was divided among his generals, and Seleucus I Nicator defeated Lysimachus to rule Anatolia. This marked the beginning of the Seleucid Empire, which lasted from 302 BC to 140 BC. The Osroene Kingdom followed the Seleucids and ruled from 132 BC to 244 AD, when the Romans took over.

Votive relief in the Hellenistic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Votive relief

"Domnina, daughter of Theseus. Greetings! Kominios, daughter of Theseus. Died untimely. Greetings!" — “Domnina, daughter of Theseus. Greetings! Kominios, daughter of Theseus. Died untimely. Greetings!”

"Eratos son of Rufus. He died young. Farewell!" in the Hellenistic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — “Eratos son of Rufus. He died young. Farewell!”

Roman Period Exhibition

The Roman period follows the Hellenistic period exhibition. The Romans defeated the Seleucids in 190 BC and were given the territories of the Kingdom of Pergamon in 133 BC, but Southeastern Anatolia wasn’t absorbed into the Roman Empire until the 3rd century.

Nike statue found in Viranşehir in the Roman period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Nike statue found in Viranşehir

Stele of two brothers found in Urfa, 177 AD in the Roman period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Stele of two brothers found in Urfa, 177 AD

Highlights in the Roman period exhibition include small terracotta artifacts and a handful of statues. The Romans brought glassblowing techniques to the area, so there are also glass items on display.

Terracotta artifacts in the Roman period exhibition — Terracotta artifacts

Grave stele with a Syriac inscription found in central Urfa in the Roman period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Grave stele with a Syriac inscription found in central Urfa

Statue of a military commander found in central Urfa in the Roman period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Statue of a military commander found in central Urfa

Glassblowing in the Roman period exhibition — Glassblowing

Glass artifacts in the Roman period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Glass artifacts

Byzantine Period Exhibition

A few Byzantine period artifacts are on display in a small area. The Byzantine, or Eastern Roman period, features mostly Christian artifacts.

Bronze icon box cover in the Byzantine period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Bronze icon box cover

Baptismal font found in Harran in the Byzantine period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Baptismal font found in Harran

Islamic Period Exhibition

The next exhibition contains artifacts from the Islamic period. Most of the items are copper, stone, and glazed ceramics.

Copper candlesticks in the Islamic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Copper candlesticks

Patterned glazed terracotta plate found at Lidar Höyük in the Islamic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Patterned glazed terracotta plate found at Lidar Höyük

Ceramics in the Islamic period exhibition — Ceramics

One interesting item is a stone relief of two lions from the Havva Tower at Ba’rûr Han. The lions symbolize the power and sovereignty of a ruler. The placement of figures such as these in strategic locations communicate to the inhabitants of the cities that the ruler was protecting them.

Lion reliefs from the Havva Tower at Ba'rûr Han in the Islamic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Lion reliefs from the Havva Tower at Ba’rûr Han

There are many stone artifacts from Harran on display including a replica of a beehive-shaped home. Most of the artifacts are architectural elements. The Islamic period exhibition ends with stone tombstones and inscriptions found in Urfa.

Replica Harran home in the Islamic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Replica Harran home

Vine-patterned limestone column from Harran in the Islamic period exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum — Vine-patterned limestone column from Harran

Architectural elements from Harran in the Islamic period exhibition — Architectural elements from Harran

Limestone tombstones from Urfa in the Islamic period exhibition — Limestone tombstones from Urfa

Coin Collection

The final exhibition at the Şanlıurfa Museum is a small room containing the coin collection. There are several coins from the Hellenistic through Islamic periods on display.

Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum

The Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum is on the south side of Beyazsaray Park. It protects several mosaics discovered in-situ during sewer pipeline installations in 2007. The project was halted and archaeological excavations led by the Şanlıurfa Museum were carried out beginning in May 2006 and ending in 2009. Most of the mosaics are part of a large Roman villa dubbed the “Villa of the Amazons”.

The museum building is the largest structure in Turkey supported without the use of columns. It has an area of 6,000 square meters and is 82 meters in diameter. Admission is €10 for foreigners (as of October 2024) and it’s open daily. Tickets include entry to the Şanlıurfa Museum.

A path leads visitors through the museum to see the mosaics exactly where they were discovered. Mosaics brought from other locations are on display around the perimeter of the building and in other rooms.

Original Roman floor at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum — Original Roman floor

Achilles Mosaic

The first mosaic along the path depicts the life of Achilles on a rectangular panel in the main hall of the villa. One section shows Achilles at the bosom of his nanny; his mother, Thetis, dipping him into the River Styx; and the young warrior bidding farewell to Thetis. It continues with Achilles being trained by Chiron and the departure of Achilles to fight in the Trojan War. The border of the mosaic features figures playing instruments, a farm house, and animals.

Thetis and Achilles bidding farewell on the Achilles Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Thetis and Achilles bidding farewell

Chiron training Achilles on the Achilles Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Chiron training Achilles

Achilles in training on the Achilles Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Achilles in training

Achilles departing for the Trojan War on the Achilles Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Achilles departing for the Trojan War

Servant and Zebra Mosaic

In the next room is the Servant and Zebra Mosaic. It depicts a shirtless and barefooted male servant holding a stick on his shoulder and a chain attached to a zebra.

Ktisis Mosaic

The Ktisis Mosaic is next. It depicts Ktisis, the personification of creativity and donation, wearing a yellow cloak and a crown decorated with gold and pearls. She’s holding a Roman foot measuring tool of approximately 29.7 centimeters. Further along the path are mosaics with geometric patterns and depictions of waterfowl. There are also a few reconstructed columns.

Geometric pattern at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Geometric pattern

Waterfowl mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Waterfowl mosaic

Columns at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Columns

Lion Mosaic

A heavily damaged rectangular figure of a lion is on a corner of the villa. Only the head and feet have partially survived. It features a border of intertwined lines.

Hunting Amazons Mosaic

The Hunting Amazons Mosaic is a huge rectangular mosaic that was on the floor of an interior courtyard. It features four Amazon women during a hunt. Melanippe and Penthesileia are riding horses and Hippolyte and Thermodosa are hunting on foot.

Melanippe on the Hunting Amazons Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Melanippe

Penthesileia on the Hunting Amazons Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Penthesileia

Among the animals are a wounded leopard and lion as well as an ostrich fighting a dog. Hunting scenes of Eros border the main panel. The mosaic was completed around 5 AD. An artist’s conceptualization is on the wall.

Wounded animal on the Hunting Amazons Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Wounded animal

Artist's version of the Hunting Amazons Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Artist’s version of the Hunting Amazons Mosaic

Tiger Mosaic

The final mosaic belonging to the villa is the Tiger Mosaic. It’s almost completely destroyed and only the back feet of the tiger are visible. The border of the mosaic is a geometrical pattern with a cross-band sequence formed by four white rectangles.

Other Mosaics at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum

The perimeter of the building displays several impressive mosaics brought to the Şanlıurfa Museum from other locations.

Alanyurt Mosaic

The Alanyurt Mosaic was found in the village of Alanyurt in the Siverek district of Şanlıurfa and brought to the museum in 2013. It’s dated to the 5th or 6th century and had an approximate area of 63 square meters. Only about 24 square meters have survived. Each piece used to make the mosaic is 1 x 1 centimeter.

Tomb Mosaic

The Tomb Mosaic decorated the floor of a tomb of Edessa (ancient Urfa) and depicts five figures. In the middle are three men seemingly having conversation. The man at the back is younger than the two in front. Girls are standing on both sides of the men. There are also Syriac inscriptions on four parts of the mosaic.

Yukarı Göklü Village Mosaic

The Yukarı Göklü Village Mosaic was brought to the Şanlıurfa Museum in 2013. It features different types of birds on curling branches and is dated 5-6 AD. A Greek inscription is on the outer part.

Aşağı Başak Geometric Mosaic

The Aşağı Başak Geometric Mosaic was found at Aşağı Başak village and brought to the museum in 2013. It’s dated to 6th century and measures 10.4 x 3 meters. The outer border is white with black diagonal stripes composed of chevron-like motifs. The main panel is divided into different parts, each with a different geometric pattern.

Harran Gate Mosaic

The Harran Gate Mosaic, dated to 5-6 AD, was discovered in near the Harran Gate in Urfa. There are two scenes on a rectangular panel facing different directions. One scene depicts a lion chasing a wild goat and the other are a deer and bull facing each other with a tree between them.

Haleplibahçe Geometric Villa Mosaics

Six different large mosaics found at Haleplibahçe are next. They’re in various states of preservation. All repeat a pattern of serrated squares on a white background, with three of them featuring only that pattern.

Large mosaic with serrated squares from the Haleplibahçe Geometric Villa at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Large mosaic with serrated squares

Serrated squares from the Haleplibahçe Geometric Villa at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Serrated squares

The other three have the serrated squares as a border but feature different colorful patterns in the center. Of these three, one has squares and lozenges in the center while another has intersecting circles. The largest of the three is heavily damaged but still impressive with guilloche patterns.

Squares and lozenges from the Haleplibahçe Geometric Villa at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Squares and lozenges

Intersecting circles from the Haleplibahçe Geometric Villa at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Intersecting circles

Large mosaic with guilloche patterns from the Haleplibahçe Geometric Villa at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Large mosaic with guilloche patterns

Mağaralı Mosaic

Two 3rd century mosaics found in the village of Mağaralı were both brought to the Şanlıurfa Museum in 2013. One contains several different geometric patterns including intersecting circles and squares surrounded by a helix pattern.

The other mosaic is in several parts belonging to the same floor but is heavily damaged. It features an alternating row of crosscuts and quadrangles between two black bands. Next to it is a row of swastika motifs with a Solomon’s knot in the middle. On the main part of the mosaic are serrated squares.

Aşağı Başak Mosaic

The Aşağı Başak Mosaic was found at Aşağı Başak village and brought to the Şanlıurfa Museum in 2013. It’s dated to 6th century and contains zigzag patterns with Syriac text in the center. The inner border depicts a rabbit, rooster, and birds among the curling branches coming from vases on the corners. The vases are shaped like melon slices, and there’s another Syriac inscription on the outer border.

The inscription in the center translates to:

“Mosaic maker Gurya and his brother Saba; Whoever reads these names pray for us, I am Gurya who made the mosaic of this house.”

The inscription on the outer border translates to:

“Saba…Where is your mosaic?”

Syriac inscription on the Aşağı Başak Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Syriac inscription

Aftuha Family Mosaic

The Aftuha Family Mosaic was found in Urfa in 1998. It belonged to the floor of a single-room rock-cut tomb with three arcosolia. The mosaic depicts members of the family of Aftuha, including his wife Salum and three children, in colorful local dress. Salum is sitting on the far right while Aftuha is lying on a sofa. The children are standing on the left. There’s a Syriac inscription on the bottom and the names of each family member are written in Syriac next to their heads.

Image of Salum on the Aftuha Family Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Image of Salum

Four-Armed Stars Mosaic

The Four-Armed Stars Mosaic was found in Urfa on the floor of a single-room rock-cut tomb with three arcosolia and brought to the Şanlıurfa Museum in 1979. It features four-armed star patterns with rhombus and cross patterns in the center. The outer border has a square and an hourglass pattern. A Syriac text dated 224 is on the left side of panel. It translates to:

“Bar’amta son of Qasya I built this tomb.”

Four-Armed Stars Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Four-Armed Stars Mosaic

Hazinedere Mosaic

The Hazinedere Mosaic was found in the village of Sabuncu in the Siverek district of Şanlıurfa and brought to the museum in 2013. It dates from the 6th century and depicts human and animal figures. On one corner, bird gouges out the eye of a man lying on the floor. Other parts of the mosaic show a horse and a cart drawn by two oxen, a bear, and an inscription in Syriac. The middle of the mosaic has not survived.

Yolbilen Mosaic

The Yolbilen Mosaic was found in Viranşehir on the floor of a tomb with nine arcosolia. The entire tomb was taken to the Şanlıurfa Museum in 2013 and rebuilt. The mosaic is on a rectangular panel. The border is a wave pattern and in the center are plants, animals, and humans.

In the circular frame are the symbols of the Four Evangelists. Matthew is represented by a lion, Mark by an ox, Luke by a man, and John by an eagle. An inscription in Syriac translates to:

“This house in 873 (562 AD) on the days of Sem who was the rector of the monastery, was founded by Helpidus and Yuhannus, the monks of the church.”

Symbols of the Four Evangelists and a Syriac inscription on the Yolbilen Mosaic at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Urfa, Turkey — Symbols of the Four Evangelists and a Syriac inscription

Funeral Feast Mosaic

A small piece of the Funeral Feast Mosaic, which was made in 238 and portrayed Zaydallat and his family, is on display in another room. The mosaic was illegally taken out of Turkey from the Kızılkoyun Necropolis. It was returned to the country with the help of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Embassy in Paris in 2018 and delivered to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This piece was brought to Şanlıurfa Museum in 2019 and displayed at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum starting in 2022. It’s 44.5 x 44 centimeters in size and depicts a man handing a towel to Zaydallat, who is in the center of the mosaic. The Syriac inscription translates to “Ma’mi”.

Jesus Mosaic

The Jesus Mosaic was made in Edessa by mosaic masters who developed a unique style combining Eastern and Western cultures with the local characteristics of the city. It’s one of the first examples of a mosaic depiction of Jesus in Anatolia.

Orpheus Mosaic

The final mosaic in the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum is the Orpheus Mosaic. It was smuggled out of Urfa and eventually ended up at the Dallas Art Museum. It then was sent to then Istanbul Archeology Museum and finally made its way home to the Şanlıurfa Museum.

The mosaic was made in Edessa (now Urfa) in 194 by an artist named Bar Saged and depicts Orpheus playing a lyre. Carnivorous animals including a lion, bear, leopard, and pig are on the right side while herbivorous animals including mountain goats, a horse, and birds are on the left side. The mosaic once adorned the floor of a rock-cut tomb and has a Syriac inscription.

Kızılkoyun Necropolis

East of Beyazsaray Park on the western edge of the old town is the Kızılkoyun Necropolis (Kızılkoyun Nekropolü). Admission is free (as of October 2024) and it’s open daily.

Entrance to the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Entrance

The necropolis consists of 75 rock-cut tombs dating to the Roman period between the 2nd and 4th centuries. They were excavated in 2012 by the Şanlıurfa Museum after 387 homes and buildings sitting on top were demolished.

Homes atop the Kızılkoyun Necropolis in March 2011 — Homes atop the necropolis in March 2011

The tombs range from one to three rooms and vary in size depending on the status of their occupants. Some contain reliefs with mythological or religious scenes. Notable tombs are described with information posted in English and Turkish.

Entrance to a tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Entrance to a tomb

Rock-cut tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis in Urfa, Turkey — Rock-cut tomb

Rock-cut tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Rock-cut tomb

Rock Tomb M13

In Rock Tomb M13, you’ll find a peacock figure carved in the middle of the pediment. The peacock is partially destroyed but the body, wings, neck, and head can be seen. There are other decorations on either side of the peacock. As far as the tomb, the western wall and the entrance are heavily damaged.

Peacock figure in Rock Tomb M13 at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis in Urfa, Turkey — Peacock figure

Rock Tomb M14

There are statue niches on both sides of the main entrance of Rock Tomb M14, which has a single room with five arcosolia and columns carved into the walls. On the pediment of one arcosolium, there’s a relief of an ichthyocentaur. There are also two pits. One of them was likely used for burials and the other for offerings.

Ichthyocentaur relief in Rock Tomb M14 at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Ichthyocentaur relief

Tomb With a Mosaic

A burial chamber with five arcosolia features a heavily damaged mosaic on the floor. The original mosaic is located in the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum. One of the arcosolia has a replica skeleton inside.

Replica skeleton in the tomb with a mosaic at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Replica skeleton

Rock Tomb M16

In Rock Tomb M16, there’s a single burial chamber with five arcosolia. A relief in the eastern arcosolium depicts a man lying on a bed and holding a glass in his right hand. To the left are a boy and two female figures. One of the women is wearing a headdress. On the same arcosolium is a relief of a soldier with a helmet and a sword.

Eastern arcosolium in Rock Tomb M16 at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis in Urfa, Turkey — Eastern arcosolium

Relief of a soldier in Rock Tomb M16 at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Relief of a soldier

Large Tomb

The largest and widest tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis consists of a forecourt and two burial chambers. The small burial chamber is to the right of the forecourt.

The entrance to the large burial chamber is through first a rectangular and then a cylindrical door. Above the first door is a relief depicting the head of the family. The large burial chamber is on a rectangular plan and contains five arcosolia and four columns.

Forecourt and entrance to the large burial chamber in the large tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Forecourt and entrance to the large burial chamber

Large burial chamber in the large tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis in Urfa, Turkey — Large burial chamber

Double-Chamber Tomb

Next is a double-chamber tomb. In the front room are sculptures depicting a mourning woman and a Roman soldier. On the left side is a sarcophagus with an artificial skeleton inside. The back room contains arcosolia.

Front room in the double-chamber tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis in Urfa, Turkey — Front room

Sculpture of a mourning woman in the double-chamber tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Sculpture of a mourning woman

Skeleton in the double-chamber tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Skeleton

Back room in the double-chamber tomb at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Back room

Rock Tomb M55

The only tomb from ancient Edessa with a temple front is Rock Tomb M55. The entrance has Corinthian capitals on each side and an oyster shell pediment. Inside is a forecourt and single room with three arcosolia and one sarcophagus. You can see the sarcophagus through a hole in the wall of the previous tomb.

Oyster shell pediment of Rock Tomb M55 at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis — Oyster shell pediment

Sarcophagus in Rock Tomb M55 — Sarcophagus

Rock Tomb M54

Next door to the right is Rock Tomb M54, which has six steps leading up to the entrance. On the lintel is the Chi Rho monogram, which symbolizes the grave belonged to a Christian. There are two chambers inside the tomb.

Tabula Ansata

In front of Rock Tombs M54 and M55 is a rectangular tabula ansata with Greek and Syriac inscriptions. It’s dated to the 3rd century and reads:

“This monument belongs to the children of Kineas Zooras, Bias and Boethos, and their children,”

Tabula ansata at the Kızılkoyun Necropolis in Urfa, Turkey — Tabula ansata

Rock Tomb M51

Rock Tomb M51 has a forecourt and a single room. Statues of soldiers stand in niches guarding the entrance to the burial chamber. They’re dressed in local Edessa clothing with military equipment. The statue on the left is intact except for its arms. It stands 1.85 meters high. The statue on the right is missing its head. The originals are in the Şanlıurfa Museum. The entrance to the burial chamber was blocked by a cylindrical door made of limestone.