The İskilip Rock Tombs are located in the district center of İskilip, within the Çorum province of Türkiye. They are situated on the southern and southeastern slopes of the İskilip Castle, which dates back to the Ottoman period. The tombs were carved into the steep face of a natural rock mass approximately 100 meters high. While the site is generally dated to the Roman period, some researchers attribute it to the Paphlagonian civilization (3rd–4th centuries BCE), while others associate it directly with the Roman era. It is also recorded that during the Umayyad campaigns to conquer Constantinople via Anatolia between 715 and 717 CE, the castle near these tombs was referred to as “Menkuriye” (Delikli Kale – “Perforated Castle”).
Historical Background
During the Roman period, İskilip was a significant settlement with strategic and economic importance, maintaining its prominence for nearly a thousand years. In the Byzantine era, it was considered one of the three major cities in the region. The name İskilip is believed to derive from the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. In the 2nd century CE, the city was situated between Bithynia and Pontus, and is referred to in Byzantine sources as Neoklauniopolis.
İskilip Rock Tombs (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Architectural Features and Tombs
The İskilip Rock Tombs were constructed as single-chambered structures carved into the rock and consist of four separate tombs. Most of the tombs feature columns and triangular pediments at their entrances. The first tomb is located approximately 3 meters above ground level and has two columns and an entrance doorway on its front façade. Inside, directly opposite the entrance, there is a burial bench (klinē) approximately 2 meters long, with a second bench positioned on the left side.
Above the entrance, the triangular pediment features two nude and winged Eros figures depicted facing each other; one holds a bunch of grapes and extends it toward the other.The second tomb is located about 2 meters above the ground, with a vaulted ceiling and a single chamber. Its front façade includes two columns and an entrance. Inside, there is a burial bench approximately 3 meters long and 1 meter wide. Beneath this tomb, there is an additional, lower tomb.The third tomb has no columns; only a triangular pediment is present above the entrance.
Although there is no burial bench inside, the interior of the third tomb reflects fine craftsmanship reminiscent of Phrygian architecture, making it a unique example in the Paphlagonia region. The fourth tomb is carved about 3 meters above ground level and is marked by an incomplete column at the entrance. This tomb was left unfinished for unknown reasons.In general, the tombs feature cylindrical columns that taper upward. The column capitals are decorated with seated lion figures placed atop ring-like bands. The triangular pediments often display reliefs of opposing figures holding cups and swords. Inside the tombs, the burial benches (klinai) were carved directly into the rock to lay the deceased.
Decorations and Figures
Prominent decorative elements include seated lion figures on top of column capitals and various reliefs on the triangular pediments. These reliefs sometimes feature opposing winged and nude Eros figures, while others depict lions holding cups and swords. The column shafts taper upward and are topped with capitals featuring lion figures resting on ring-shaped bases. Inside the tombs, stone klinai (benches) carved from the rock served as places for laying the deceased.
