Türkiye
Economy
Opinion
World
Arts & Life
Sports
Photo
‘Secret passage’ under historic madrasah in Turkey’s east may be part of infrastructure: Expert
‘Secret passage’ under historic madrasah in Turkey’s east may be part of infrastructure: Expert
The recent discovery of what locals described as a “secret passage” under a 13th century Seljuk-era madrasah in eastern Turkey may only be a part of the historic building’s infrastructure, according to an expert. Click through for the story in photos...
The Double-Minaret Madrasah in the eastern province of Sivas was built in 1271 during the rule of the Anatolian Seljuks. It was hailed in the UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage for representing “one of the most important stone, brick and tile art works in Anatolia” as a monumental building.
The “secret passage” was discovered last month during restoration works at one of the madrasah’s four iwans, which are vaulted or domed spaces recessed from a central hall or court.
Reminding decades-old urban legends that suggested that there was an ancient tunnel that linked the fortress and the city center below, local media called on officials to do more digs around the new discovery.
Sivas Cumhuriyet University’s art history department chair Prof. Dr. Erdal Eser, however, has rejected the claim.
Speaking to Demirören News Agency on Nov. 9, Eser said the passage indeed leads toward a tunnel or a dungeon but it is not likely that it was part of a larger scheme.
“I think that it is a detail in the underground water system or the infrastructure of the madrasah,” he said, stressing that similar “details” were found during their excavation works in 2008.
Archaeological studies continue to reveal the full picture about the underground passages, the report added. The Double-Minaret Madrasah was hailed in the UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage for representing “one of the most important stone, brick and tile art works in Anatolia” as a monumental building.
ALL PHOTOS
Global South needs $2 trillion a year to tame, cope with climate
Winter arrives in Turkey as snowfall hits metropolises
Kütahya province welcomes winter with snowfall
Ancient Dara captivates tourists
Ancient Patara lures visitors
Enchanting sunset scenery from 'Little Venice'
Blanket of snow covers renowned crater lake
Frozen Lake Çıldır lures visitors
Postcard-like winter views from Turkey's Bitlis
