1,500-Year-Old Baptistery Unearthed in Ancient City of Tyana

Ongoing excavations in the ancient city of Tyana, located in Kemerhisar town of Bor district in Niğde, Türkiye, continue to reveal stunning insights into the region’s rich historical heritage. The latest discovery is a remarkably well-preserved baptistery believed to be over 1,500 years old.

Part of Türkiye’s “Heritage for the Future” Initiative

Archaeological work at Tyana has been ongoing since 2016, but efforts have recently accelerated under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future” project. Excavations for the 2025 season officially began on April 14. Excavation Director Prof. Dr. Osman Doğanay emphasized the significance of the baptistery, calling it one of the few surviving examples of its kind still preserved in its original location.

Dating Back to the 5th Century

According to Prof. Doğanay, the baptistery was likely built in the 5th century AD, atop an earlier Roman structure, and remained in use until the 10th century. “This baptistery stands as a rare and valuable testament to early Christian architecture in the region,” he noted. The site, once home to an estimated 35,000 residents, served as a vital religious and community center.

Traces of Byzantine Shops and Later Additions

Excavations have revealed signs of Byzantine-era commercial activity beneath the baptistery, as well as architectural modifications from later Islamic and Turkish periods. During the decline of Abbasid control, the site appears to have been abandoned, only to be repurposed later with civil buildings added on top.

Detailed Mosaic Floors and Baptismal Pool Discovered

Key features unearthed include the apsis, beautifully preserved mosaic flooring, and a centrally located baptismal pool. Additional chambers located at higher elevations are still under excavation. These findings suggest that the baptistery was once part of a much larger and more complex ecclesiastical structure.

Restoration Planned After 2025 Excavation Season

The complete unveiling of the baptistery is expected to be finalized by the end of the 2025 excavation season, after which a careful restoration process will begin. Once restored, the site is expected to become a major cultural and archaeological attraction in Türkiye.

With every layer uncovered, Tyana continues to surprise researchers and history enthusiasts alike—offering a rare glimpse into the religious and urban life of an ancient Anatolian city.