The Historical Richness of Lystra Continues to Emerge

Archaeological excavations carried out at the ancient city of Lystra, with the support of Meram Municipality, continue to uncover structures and artifacts that shed light on history.

Excavations are ongoing at the ancient city of Lystra (Listra), located within the borders of the Hatunsaray and Botsa neighborhoods, with the permission of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the support of Necmettin Erbakan University (NEÜ), Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and Meram Municipality.

The excavations at the ancient city of Lystra are led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Mete Mimiroğlu, a faculty member at Necmettin Erbakan University (NEÜ). Lystra is known as one of the places visited by Saint Paul, who is believed to have played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.

During the excavations at the ancient city of Lystra, findings believed to have belonged to Christians living in the region during the Seljuk period have been unearthed.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Mete Mimiroğlu stated that the second-year excavation projects have been completed. Noting that work continued last year in the main church area, Mimiroğlu explained that the findings revealed the site to be a large architectural complex. He emphasized that a chapel and another church structure dating back to the Late Antique period were also uncovered during the excavations, adding:

“Nearly 80 graves were identified in the upper church. In the burials, which we understand belonged particularly to Christians living during the Seljuk period, we found Seljuk-era glazed inkwells, coins, and turquoise beads. In this respect, the discoveries are truly remarkable. Historical sources indicate the presence of a Christian population during the Seljuk period, but through archaeological excavation, we have clearly confirmed the existence of Christian graves dating to that era.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Mete Mimiroğlu noted that the excavations are not limited to the church area. He reported that work carried out on the hillside revealed residential structures and pithoi dating to the Ottoman period, and that a 17th-century Austrian silver coin was discovered inside one of them.

Mimiroğlu stated that these findings demonstrate that Lystra maintained its significance along trade routes during the Ottoman period, adding that the circulation of trade from different regions has also been confirmed through small archaeological finds unearthed in the city.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Mete Mimiroğlu also stated that a find believed to date back to the Seljuk period drew particular attention during the excavations, and continued as follows:

“We carried out work in a residential structure that we believe dates to the Seljuk period. We uncovered a green-glazed inkwell from the Seljuk era. Next to it, a bronze amulet was found, which we also think belongs to the Seljuk period. Restoration work is currently ongoing. There are inscriptions on both sides, written in reverse. It is in the form of a pendant amulet. Although similar examples are not very common in Anatolia, they can be found in Central Asia. It is known that they were especially worn by soldiers and travelers. Once the restoration is completed and the inscriptions are deciphered, we will be able to make a clearer interpretation. It is a triangular bronze pendant with two lines of inscription on each side, functioning as a talisman.”

Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş also drew attention to the region’s historical richness, stating:

“Even before the second year of the excavation is completed and officially promoted, thousands of visitors are already coming. Lystra is a project that everyone wants to be part of, and we are pleased to be involved. Private institutions are also eager to take part, and there is growing interest from sponsors. In the near future, we will ensure that tens of thousands of tourists visit the site.”

Finally, the ancient city—where a bronze amulet believed to date to the Seljuk period, along with glazed inkwells, coins, and turquoise beads, has been unearthed—is already welcoming thousands of visitors.