Dülük Ancient City is located approximately 10 kilometers north of Gaziantep city center of Türkiye, within the borders of Şehitkamil district. This archaeological site, located near today's Dülük District, is one of the oldest known settlements in human history. Settlement history BC. It dates back to 600,000 years and in this respect, it has an important position in terms of both Turkish and world archeology. Dülük settlement is divided into two: "Ancient City" and "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 ancient times, was located at the junction of important trade routes extending from Mesopotamia to Cilicia and Zeugma. This center, which was of great importance in the Assyrian, Median, Persian and Hellenistic periods, continued its effectiveness in the Roman period and rose to the status of a province. It was called "Doliche" during the Roman Empire.
Archaeological Findings and Paleolithic Settlement
During the excavations on Keber Hill, flint tools and production workshops from the Lower Paleolithic Period were found. Due to the unique form of these tools, this culture is called "Dülükien" in the scientific literature. Also in Şarklı Cave BC. Findings of human settlement dating back to 600,000 years have been found. In this respect, Dülük is considered one of the earliest settlement centers in the world.
Religious Centers and Cults
Dülük Ancient City has been the sacred center of many religions throughout history. During the Hittite period, it was known as the temple of the storm god Teşup; In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the same god was called "Zeus" and "Jupiter Dolichenus". The cult of Jupiter Dolichenus, which was highly respected by the soldiers serving in the Roman army, was carried to many parts of Europe through small statuettes.
Temple of Mithras (Mithraeum)
The underground Temple of Mithras (M.S. 1st century), it is the first Mithraeum discovered in Anatolia to date and is considered one of the largest examples in the world in terms of its size. The temple has two halls and its main niche contains the "Tauroktoni" scene – the bull-killing relief of the god Mitras. The scene symbolizes the end of the Age of Taurus and the beginning of the Age of Aries astrologically. The cult of Mithras was especially widespread among Roman soldiers, merchants and bureaucrats. Symbolic rituals such as bathing and drinking with the blood of the bull were performed during the rituals.
The Temple of Mitras. (Culture Portal)
The Christian Era and Early Churches
During the excavations carried out in cooperation with Münster University of Germany and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a basilica dating back to the 4th century was identified. This church is among the important examples of the early Christian period with its geometric mosaics and architectural features. Most of the mosaics are free of human and animal figures. It is thought that the animal motifs in the apse were added later in the 6th century. The mosaics, whose restoration work has been completed, have been protected to be brought to tourism.
Moziks. (AA)
Medieval Period and Archbishopric
Dülük, known as "Telukh" during the Byzantine period, served as the archbishopric center for a long time. As a result of Islamic invasions in the 7th century, the city was largely destroyed and lost its position as a religious center. The archbishopric was moved to Zeugma during this process. In the following periods, Dülük lost its importance and became a village connected to Ayıntap (today's Gaziantep).
Necropolis Area and Rock Tombs
Many rock-cut chamber tombs were found in the necropolis area located on the opposite ridges of Keber Hill. Some of these tombs contain figures of Hermes and Psyche, which means the soul, guiding the dead, Medusa head reliefs and depictions reflecting daily life. Since posthumous resurrection is believed, the tombs were built similar to the house plan. Two rock churches thought to belong to the Mar-Slemun monastery were also identified in the region.
The Rock Church. (Culture Portal)
Excavations, Seals and Archive Findings
In the systematic excavations carried out since 2015, a bath structure, a large church dating back to the 4th century, an archive building and a 4,500-year-old seal were found. These seals were used for the security of ancient documents, letters and commercial goods, and they depict gods and goddesses. Some of the seal prints smuggled abroad by illegal excavations are exhibited in Gaziantep Archaeological Museum.
Tourism and Conservation Studies
Within the scope of the excavations carried out under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and in cooperation with the University of Münster, Germany, the mosaics were restored and protected, some rock tombs were cleaned and opened to visitors. Architectural remains and attendant tombs of the Temple of Jupiter Dolichenus on Dülük Baba Hill have been documented by excavations. Circular cover stones and sarcophagi with garland motifs were found around the temple ruins.
Transportation and Today's Situation
Transportation to Dülük Ancient City is provided 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 on the Gaziantep-Adana highway. There are also picnic areas in the forest area.
Dülük Village attracts attention with its traditional cut stone architecture, mosque and Musa Kazım Tomb. This village, intertwined with the ruins of the ancient city, continues its importance in archaeological and cultural terms.
