Thirty Tombs Discovered in Listra Ancient City

Thirty tombs were discovered around the church, one-third of which has been unearthed, during this year's excavation of the ancient city of Listra in Konya.

The excavation at the ancient mound located within the boundaries of Hatunsaray and Botsa neighborhoods began this year with permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and support from Necmettin Erbakan University (NEÜ), the Metropolitan Municipality, and Meram Municipality.

The excavation at Listra, led by Necmettin Erbakan University (NEÜ) faculty member Assoc. Prof. İlker Mete Mimiroğlu, is known as the place visited by Saint Paul, who is believed to have played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and performed several miracles there.

A portion of the church, whose existence is documented in historical sources, has been unearthed at the Listra mound, which appears in notable paintings and works by Western artists. Significant artifacts have also been discovered around the church.

Mimiroğlu highlighted that this location was one of the significant cities in the province of "Lycaonia" during its time, stating, "Its name is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament. It is particularly known as a city Saint Paul visited three times during his travels, performing significant miracles and experiencing notable events. In this context, we are in a globally recognized and valued site that, despite no other structures being visible apart from the church, has been visited frequently and described as a pilgrimage center."

Mimiroğlu noted that the ancient city is situated on a mound dating back to the Chalcolithic period (5000–3000 BCE) and reminded that excavation work began this year.