Dülük Ancient City

The Ancient City of Dülük is located approximately 10 kilometers north of the city center of Gaziantep, Türkiye, within the boundaries of the Şehitkamil district. This archaeological site, situated near the present-day Dülük neighborhood, is one of the earliest known human settlements in human history. Its settlement history extends back to around 600,000 BCE, giving it significant importance in both Turkish and world archaeology. The Dülük settlement is divided into two parts: the “Ancient City” and the “Sacred Area.” The Ancient City is located around Keber Hill, while the Sacred Area lies on Dülük Baba Hill, at an elevation of 1,020 meters.

Ancient City of Dülük. (Culture Portal)

Historical Background and Geopolitical Significance

In antiquity, known as Doliche, Dülük was situated at a major crossroads along important trade routes extending from Mesopotamia to Cilicia and Zeugma. This center held great importance during the Assyrian, Median, Persian, and Hellenistic periods and continued to thrive during the Roman era, eventually attaining provincial status. During the Roman Empire, it was referred to as “Doliche.”

Archaeological Discoveries and Paleolithic Settlement

Excavations at Keber Hill have uncovered flint tools and production workshops dating to the Lower Paleolithic period. Due to their distinctive forms, this culture has been named “Dülükien” in scientific literature. Additionally, human settlement evidence dating to 600,000 BCE has been found in Şarklı Cave. For this reason, Dülük is recognized as one of the earliest settlement centers in the world.

Religious Center and Cults

The Ancient City of Dülük has served as a sacred center for numerous religions throughout history. During the Hittite period, it was known as a cult site for the storm god Tešup; in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, this same deity was identified as Zeus and Jupiter Dolichenus. The cult of Jupiter Dolichenus, highly revered by Roman soldiers, was disseminated across many regions of Europe through small statuettes.

Temple of Mithras (Mithraeum)

The underground Temple of Mithras, located on the southern slope of Keber Hill and dating to the 1st century CE, is the first Mithraeum discovered in Anatolia and is considered one of the largest examples of its kind in the world. The temple consists of two halls, with the main niche containing the “Tauroctony” scene—the relief depiction of the god Mithras slaying the bull. This scene symbolizes astrologically the end of the Age of Taurus and the beginning of the Age of Aries. The cult of Mithras was particularly popular among Roman soldiers, merchants, and bureaucrats. Rituals included symbolic washing and drinking with the bull’s blood.

Temple of Mithras. (

Christianity Period and Early Churches

Excavations conducted in cooperation between the University of Münster, Germany, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have identified a basilica dating to the 4th century. This church is among the significant examples of early Christian architecture, noted for its geometric mosaics and structural features. The majority of the mosaics are devoid of human and animal figures. The animal motifs in the apse are believed to have been added later in the 6th century. The restored mosaics have been placed under protection for tourism.

Mosaics. (AA)

Medieval Period and Archbishopric

Dülük, known as “Telukh” during the Byzantine period, served for a long time as an archbishopric center. In the 7th century, following Islamic incursions, the city was largely destroyed and lost its status as a religious center. The archbishopric was subsequently transferred to Zeugma. In later periods, Dülük declined in importance and became a village subordinate to Ayıntap (modern Gaziantep).

Necropolis Area and Rock-Cut Tombs

On the opposite ridge of Keber Hill, a necropolis area contains numerous rock-cut chamber tombs. Some of these tombs feature reliefs of Hermes guiding the deceased, figures of Psyche symbolizing the soul, Medusa heads, and depictions of daily life. Since there was a belief in resurrection after death, the tombs were constructed to resemble house plans. Two rock-cut churches, believed to belong to the Mar-Slemun monastery, have also been identified in the region.

Rock-Cut Church. (Culture Portal)

Excavations, Seals, and Archive Discoveries

Systematic excavations since 2015 have uncovered a bath structure, a large church dating to the 4th century, an archive building, and a 4,500-year-old seal. These seals were used to secure ancient documents, letters, and commercial goods and bear depictions of gods and goddesses. Some of the seal impressions looted and smuggled abroad are now exhibited at the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum.

Tourism and Conservation Efforts

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and in cooperation with the University of Münster, Germany, mosaics have been restored and preserved, and some rock-cut tombs have been cleaned and opened to visitors. Architectural remains of the Temple of Jupiter Dolichenus and associated priestly tombs on Dülük Baba Hill have been documented through excavation. Around the temple ruins, circular cover stones and larnakes decorated with spiral motifs have been found.

Access and Current Status

Access to the Ancient City of Dülük is via a road following the Beylerbeyi Village route along the Gaziantep-Yavuzeli highway. The Sacred Area on Dülük Baba Hill can be reached through the Dülük Forests along the Gaziantep-Adana highway. Picnic areas are also available within the forested zone.

Dülük Village is notable for its traditional cut-stone architecture, mosque, and the Musa Kazım Türbesi. This village, seamlessly integrated with the ruins of the ancient city, continues to hold archaeological and cultural significance.