Donuktaş is a monumental Roman-era temple structure located in the modern city of Tarsus. Commonly referred to by locals as “Donuktaş” (meaning “Frozen Stone”) or “Dönüktaş”, it is considered one of the largest religious buildings in the region. Today, access to the temple is quite limited due to irregular urban development and surrounding modern constructions.

^{Donuktaş Roman Temple (T.C. Tarsus Kaymakamlığı)}

Historical Background and Research

Since the early 18th century, Donuktaş has been observed and described by various travelers and archaeologists, resulting in different interpretations of its origins and purpose. Medieval traveler V. Langlois identified it as the tomb of the Assyrian king Sardanapalus. In the 19th century, French consul Ch. Texier discovered a large finger fragment believed to belong to a statue. However, in 1836, French consul Gillet caused significant damage to the temple’s structure using dynamite.

In 1982, scientific excavations were initiated by Prof. Dr. Nezahat Baydur and continued until 1992. These excavations revealed crucial information about the architectural characteristics and potential function of the temple.

Architectural Features

Donuktaş has a rectangular plan aligned northeast to southwest, measuring approximately 98 meters in length and 43 meters in width. The walls stand 8 meters high and are 6.5 meters thick. It has been determined that the central area was originally open to the sky and built atop a 20-step base.

The main square-shaped section is connected by a massive vaulted arch. The walls were constructed using compacted pebbles bound with Roman concrete. It is believed that the outer facade was once covered in marble slabs. An altar has also been identified within the structure. The presence of a ramp and cella (inner sanctuary) walls suggests that the temple was built on a high podium.

^{Donuktaş Roman Temple (T.C. Tarsus Kaymakamlığı)}

Construction Date and Function

While the exact date of construction remains uncertain, architectural elements and recovered fragments indicate that work began in the 2nd century CE. However, it is understood that the construction was never completed.

Some scholars propose that the temple symbolized regional unity in Tarsus, then the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia, or that it was dedicated to Sandan (also known as Sandon), the city’s founding deity. As Sandan was syncretized with Jupiter in Roman times, the structure may have been built as a Temple of Jupiter (Lupiter).

Architectural findings suggest that the temple dates to the Antonine period, specifically during the reign of Commodus. It is also believed to have had associations with the imperial cult of the time.

Cultural and Historical Context

Throughout history, Tarsus has been a cultural crossroads where various religions and belief systems coexisted. This diversity fostered the construction of numerous religious structures, among which Donuktaş stands out as a significant temple serving Roman religious practices.

Preservation and Current State

Due to unregulated urban development, especially the buildings attached to its northern and eastern walls, Donuktaş is now largely obscured and difficult to view. Much of the original structure is hidden among modern buildings, and many architectural details have been significantly compromised or lost.