Turkey to display 6th century Byzantine mosaic

By Izzet Mazi

KILIS, Turkey (AA) - A basilica with 1,600-year-old mosaic, which was found in Turkey's southeastern Kilis province, will start to serve as an open-air museum in June, according to a provincial governor.

The mosaic, which were first revealed in illegal excavations carried out in the Oylumhoyuk region in 1999, are believed to belong to the early Byzantine period, Kilis governor Ismail Catakli told Anadolu Agency in an interview.

"The mosaics remaining from the 6th century are made of geometric figures from local stones belonging to the early Byzantine period. The mosaics were in very good condition and are now covered to prevent damage," the governor added.

According to Catakli, tombs and cloisters were also found during the excavations.

Catakli said the open-air museum would serve as an "important stopping point" for local and foreign tourists after archeologists completed authorized excavation work which began in 2004.

The museum will also revive traditions belonging to the early Byzantine period, Catakli added.