Rare Roman Period Columbariums Discovered in Şanlıurfa Being Documented

Roman Era columbariums have been discovered in Şanlıurfa, home to unique archaeological sites such as Göbekli Tepe and Karahantepe, described as the “zero point of civilization.”

The rare Roman Era columbariums discovered in Senem Caves in the Haliliye district and in a citizen’s garden in Bozova are being recorded as part of the Cultural Inventory Project carried out by the Şanlıurfa Governorship.

The columbariums provide important information about the settlement and burial traditions of the Roman Era.

What is a Columbarium? Roman Era Burial Tradition

Columbariums are underground structures commonly seen in Roman cities but rarely found in Anatolia. These structures, used to store the ashes of the deceased, contain niches where the ashes are placed. The niches resemble pigeon nests, hence the name “columbarium,” derived from the Latin word “columba,” meaning “pigeon.” The columbariums discovered in Şanlıurfa reveal a burial ritual where the ashes of the deceased were stored in special containers and placed in niches.

Features of Şanlıurfa Columbariums:

Underground Structures: They are generally built underground.

Niches: They contain niches where ash storage containers are placed.

Roman Era: They were commonly used during the Roman Era.

Rare Findings: These structures are rarely found in Anatolia.

Şanlıurfa Cultural Inventory Project: Efforts to Protect Historical Heritage

The Cultural Inventory Project, initiated by the Şanlıurfa Governorship, has been launched to protect, document, and pass on the city’s rich cultural heritage to future generations. Within the scope of the project, historical and cultural assets throughout Şanlıurfa are meticulously examined and recorded.

Objectives of the Cultural Inventory Project:

Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed documentation of all registered and unregistered immovable cultural assets in Şanlıurfa.

Inventory Creation: Creating an inventory of the city’s cultural heritage to serve as a resource for future research.

Protection Awareness: Raising awareness about the protection of cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.

Scientific Research: Using the data obtained in scientific research to shed light on Şanlıurfa’s history.