Sumatar Harabesi — Cave Sanctuary Niche 3
Sumatar Niche 3
Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE)·Rock-cut tradition·🇹🇷 Şanlıurfa, Sumatar, Turkey
About
About Sumatar Harabesi — Cave Sanctuary Niche 3
Sumatar Harabesi — Cave Sanctuary Niche 3 in Şanlıurfa, Sumatar, Turkey is a Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE) rock_cut attributed to Rock-cut tradition. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document architectural phasing. The site includes a principal enclosure and domestic quarter. Dimensions 494m × 221m; area 12.4 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Rock-cut tradition rock_cut with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 650 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 02Ceremonial centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 600 BCE
- Period
- Bronze to Iron Age (2000 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Rock-cut tradition
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb and sanctuary
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 869 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1954
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1515 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
37.3200° N · 39.1600° E · 650 m · 3 mapped features
Principal Monument
structurePrincipal Monument at Sumatar Harabesi — Cave Sanctuary Niche 3 — structure with stratified deposits
37.3195° N · 39.1602° EAncillary Complex
complexAncillary Complex at Sumatar Harabesi — Cave Sanctuary Niche 3 — complex with stratified deposits
37.3223° N · 39.1585° EOutlier Feature
outlierOutlier Feature at Sumatar Harabesi — Cave Sanctuary Niche 3 — outlier with stratified deposits
37.3190° N · 39.1588° E