Archaeological excavations have begun in the ancient city of Shuayb, known as the “Ephesus of the Southeast,” with architecture reminiscent of the renowned city of Ephesus from the Ancient Age in Anatolia.
The ancient city of Shuayb is located near the village of Özkent, 80 km away from the Harran district of Şanlıurfa.
The city dates back to the Late Roman period (4th-5th century AD).
The historical city, which spans a quite large area, is surrounded by walls that show traces in some places.
In the city center, structures made of cut stones have been built over numerous rock tombs. Although these structures have completely collapsed, some wall and foundation remnants have survived to this day. Traces of typical Roman houses with triangular pediments, roofs, and courtyards surrounded by walls can be observed.
Beneath the houses, there is a storage room carved into the bedrock. Each house contains a water well. Entrances to the houses are made through doors located in the courtyard walls, which open into grid-planned streets.
It is believed among the locals that the Prophet Shuayb lived in this city and that the city is named after him. Among the ruins, there is a cave consisting of four rooms carved into the rock, which is visited as the Tomb of Prophet Shuayb.
