Mosaic Discovery Illuminates History in Elazığ’s Salkaya Village, Excavation Area to be Expanded

A 84-square-meter floor mosaic, accidentally discovered in Elazığ’s Salkaya Village, is shedding light on the region’s history. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums has placed this significant discovery under protection by declaring the area an archaeological site. Additionally, it has been decided to expand the excavation area due to the possibility of uncovering more historical finds in the region.

One of Türkiye’s Most Impressive Mosaics

According to the statement made by Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu on his social media account, the mosaic, with its animal figures such as lions, mountain goats, ducks, hounds, deer, pheasants, pigs, bears, geese, Anatolian leopards, and birds, as well as tree and plant depictions, makes it one of Türkiye’s largest and most impressive mosaics.

An Important Settlement Center from the Late Roman Period

Excavation and drilling studies indicate that the area where the mosaic is located and its surroundings were an important settlement and production center during the Late Roman period. Among the discoveries are a church and a wine production well. Experts state that the mosaic dates back to the Late Roman period, while the church and wine well may belong to more recent times.

Excavation Area Expanded, New Discoveries Expected

It has been decided to expand the excavation area due to the possibility of uncovering more historical finds in the region. With new excavation works to be started in 2025 under the leadership of the Elazığ Archeology and Ethnography Museum, it is expected that the historical heritage in the region will be further enriched. With ongoing drilling excavations, it is aimed to bring the historical heritage in the region to light even more.

Salkaya Village Becomes an Important Center for Culture and Tourism

The discoveries in Salkaya Village, while carrying the traces of the past to the future, make Elazığ an even more important center culturally and touristically.