The Ancient City of Dülük

Dülük Ancient City is located approximately 10 kilometers north of the city center of Gaziantep in Türkiye, within the borders of the Şehitkamil district. This archaeological site, situated near today’s Dülük District, is one of the oldest known human settlements in history. The settlement’s history dates back to 600,000 years BC and in this respect it holds a significant position in both Turkish and world archaeology. The Dülük settlement is divided into two areas: the “Ancient City” and the “Sacred Area”. The ancient city is located around Keber Hill; the sanctuary is on Dülük Baba Hill at an altitude of 1,020 meters.

The Ancient City of Dülük. (Culture Portal)

Historical Background and Geopolitical Importance

Dülük, known as Doliche in antiquity, was situated at the crossroads of major trade routes extending from Mesopotamia to Cilicia and Zeugma. This center was of great importance during the Assyrian, Median, Persian and Hellenistic periods and maintained its significance into the Roman era, eventually attaining provincial status. It was referred to as “Doliche” during the Roman Empire.

Archaeological Findings and Paleolithic Settlement

During excavations on Keber Hill, flint tools and production workshops from the Lower Paleolithic period were uncovered. Due to their distinctive form, this cultural assemblage is termed “Dülükien” in scientific literature. Additionally, in Şarklı Cave, evidence of human settlement dating back to 600,000 years BC has been found. In this regard, Dülük is regarded as one of the earliest settlement centers in the world.

Religious Centers and Cults

Dülük Ancient City has served as a sacred center for numerous religions throughout history. During the Hittite period, it was associated with the temple of the storm god Teşup; in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, this deity was identified as “Zeus” and “Jupiter Dolichenus”. The cult of Jupiter Dolichenus, highly venerated by Roman soldiers, was disseminated across many parts of Europe through small statuettes.

Temple of Mithras (Mithraeum)

The underground Temple of Mithras (1st century AD) is the first Mithraeum discovered in Anatolia to date and is considered one of the largest examples in the world in terms of size. The temple consists of two halls, and its main niche contains the “Tauroktonos” scene—the bull-slaying relief of the god Mithras. This scene symbolizes, from an astrological perspective, the end of the Age of Taurus and the beginning of the Age of Aries. The cult of Mithras was especially widespread among Roman soldiers, merchants and bureaucrats. Rituals included symbolic acts such as bathing and drinking the bull’s blood.

The Christian Era and Early Churches

During excavations conducted in cooperation with Münster University in Germany and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a 4th-century basilica was identified. This church is among the significant examples of the early Christian period, noted for its geometric mosaics and architectural features. Most of the mosaics are devoid of human and animal figures; it is believed that the animal motifs in the apse were added later in the 6th century. Restoration work on the mosaics has been completed and they are now preserved 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. Following Islamic invasions in the 7th century, the city was largely destroyed and lost its status as a religious center; the archbishopric was relocated to Zeugma during this period. In subsequent centuries, Dülük declined in importance and became a village subordinate to Ayıntap (modern-day Gaziantep).

Necropolis Area and Rock Tombs

Many rock-cut chamber tombs have been discovered in the necropolis area on the opposite ridges of Keber Hill. Some of these tombs feature figures of Hermes and Psyche—the soul—guiding the deceased, Medusa head reliefs, and scenes depicting daily life. Belief in posthumous resurrection led to tombs being constructed in the form of domestic dwellings. Two rock churches believed to belong to the Mar-Slemun monastery have also been identified in the region.

The Rock Church. (Culture Portal)

Excavations, Seals and Archive Findings

In systematic excavations carried out since 2015, a bath structure, a large 4th-century church, an archive building and a 4,500-year-old seal were uncovered. These seals were used to secure ancient documents, letters and commercial goods and depict gods and goddesses. Some of the seal impressions smuggled abroad through illegal excavations are exhibited at the Gaziantep Archaeological Museum.

Tourism and Conservation Studies

Within the scope of excavations conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in cooperation with the University of Münster in Germany, mosaics have been restored and preserved, some rock tombs have been cleaned and opened to visitors, and architectural remains along with associated tombs of the Temple of Jupiter Dolichenus on Dülük Baba Hill have been documented. Circular cover stones and sarcophagi with garland motifs were found around the temple ruins.

Transportation and Today's Situation

Access to Dülük Ancient City is via a road following the Gaziantep-Yavuzeli highway and the Beylerbeyi Village route. The sacred area on Dülük Baba Hill can be reached from Dülük Forests along the Gaziantep-Adana highway. Picnic areas are also available within the forest zone.

Dülük Village attracts attention for its traditional cut-stone architecture, mosque and Musa Kazım Tomb. This village, interwoven with the ruins of the ancient city, continues to hold significance in archaeological and cultural terms.