Excavations continue at ancient underground city in Medyad, Turkey

MEDYAD, Turkey — The Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Medyad (Midyat), Turkey, in the historic region of Tur Abdin, have long been aware of the existence of underground caves. Recently, a new discovery revealed an entire underground city. This research began when archaeologists accidentally found one of the gates leading to this city in 2020.

Believed to date back to the 9th century B.C., this underground city spans an estimated area of 1 square kilometers. To date, scientists have discovered almost 50 interconnected caves and rooms extending over 120 meters.

Mervan Yavuz, the head of research at the discovered site, stated that this city is likely one of the largest underground cities ever discovered. Its purpose was probably to provide protection against wars, diseases, climate changes, and other threats.

The ancient inhabitants of these caves were known for making beads and decorative materials. Orthodox Christians in Medyad are known for producing these materials.

In 1970, one of the cave ceilings collapsed on workers in the area, but it was subsequently repaired. Archaeologists noted that the symbols found on the cave walls date back to the era of the Assyrian king Ashur Nasirpal, in 883 B.C. During this period, the city was known as Mitati and was considered an important part of the civilization of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia).