The Tomb of Prophet Daniel is the area where the structure currently known as Makam-ı Danyal Mosque is located, in the city center of Tarsus district, Mersin province, adjacent to Kubat Pasha Madrasah. This holy place is traditionally believed to be the burial site of Prophet Daniel, who is revered in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths.

^{Tomb of Prophet Daniel (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Historical Background

Prophet Daniel (Hz. Danyal), mentioned in Torah sources and some Islamic narrations, is a prophet believed to have saved the Israelites from Babylonian captivity and known for his prophecies. Prophet Daniel, who is believed to have lived in the 6th century BC, is said to have been born during the reign of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II in Jerusalem.

According to legend, the king had a dream in which his throne would be shaken by a child born from the Israelites, and he consequently ordered all male children to be killed. For this reason, Prophet Daniel's family left him in a cave. Narrations state that he was protected and raised there by two lions, one female and one male. Upon reaching young adulthood, he returned to his people and distinguished himself with his wisdom. Prophet Daniel is believed to have brought abundance during times of famine.

^{Tomb of Prophet Daniel (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Arrival in Tarsus and His Tomb

According to some accounts, Prophet Daniel was invited to Tarsus by the then King of Cilicia to bring abundance during a period of famine. Due to the satisfaction of the people, it was decided that he should stay in Tarsus, and it is believed that he was buried in this city after his death. During the caliphate of Umar (Hijri 17 / 638 AD), after the conquest of Tarsus, a coffin containing his body was discovered. On the finger of the body inside the coffin, a ring depicting a child between two lions was found. Considering this depiction to belong to Prophet Daniel, the grave was reburied, and the direction of the Berdan Stream (Kydnos) was altered to flow over it.

^{Tomb of Prophet Daniel (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Archaeological Findings and Excavations

During a construction project initiated by Tarsus Municipality in 2006-2007, an arched structure was unearthed beneath the Makam Mosque. As a result of rescue excavations carried out by the Tarsus Museum:

• Remains of a Roman-era bridge,
• A quadrangular tomb dated to the 7th century,
• A monastery-vaulted dome dated to the 13th century,
• Vaulted tombs and sarcophagus remains were found.

Additionally, a seven-pointed star relief is located on the block stone on the eastern facade of the tomb.

The Ring of Prophet Daniel

According to narrations, the stone of the ring believed to belong to Prophet Daniel depicts a child standing between two lions, one male and one female, and being loved by the female lion. This motif is accepted as symbolizing the narration that the prophet was protected by lions in his infancy.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Tomb of Prophet Daniel serves as a revered pilgrimage site for members of the three Abrahamic religions. In this respect, it is considered both an important stop for faith tourism and a common memory space between different religious identities.

Current Status

The burial area, unearthed after excavations in 2014, was opened to visitors following landscaping and restoration work. Today, the structure functions as both a place of worship and an area for faith-based visits.