Remains of an ancient synagogue dating back as far as the 7th century were recently discovered in a resort town off Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
The synagogue was revealed in the town Turkish town of Side, which had very little evidence of Jewish life beyond a few records from the late Byzantine era up until this most recent discovery.
Among the remains found at the synagogue was a plaque portraying a menorah motif and an inscription in Hebrew and Greek noting that it was donated by a father in honor of his son who died at a young age.
Turkish authorities and the town’s residents have worked together since 2014 to preserve some of its history.
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The plaque portraying a menorah motif in Side's rediscovered synagogue
(Photo: Twitter)
When such efforts were initiated, it marked “a turning point for Side in terms of research and conservation,” said Feristah Alanyali, the archaeologist leading the excavations, Turkish-Jewish news outlet Avlaremoz reported.
In ancient times, Side was an important Mediterranean port city, adopting Greek culture after its conquest by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE.
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Tourists ride their bicycles in front of an ancient site in Antalya, southern Turkey, June 20, 2021
(Photo: AP)
It was abandoned in the 12th century after the conquest of the Anatolia peninsula by the Seljuk Turks.
By the end of the 19th century, the town was repopulated by Turkish Muslim immigrants from Greece’s Crete island, and experienced a building surge during the 20th century.
Today, Side is a popular destination for Russian and European tourists, and further removal of structures is hoped to intertwine its ancient ruins, including the synagogue, with its infrastructure.
Story republished with permission from i24NEWS