Ain Dara, Iron Age temple in Afrin District, Syria.
Ain Dara is an archaeological site in Afrin District, Syria, preserving the remains of an Iron Age temple. The building rests on a limestone foundation with basalt blocks and displays detailed stone carvings of lions and sphinxes along the outer walls.
The site functioned from 1300 BC to 740 BC and shares architectural similarities with the First Temple of Jerusalem described in biblical texts. Turkish military operations in 2018 caused serious damage to the structure, with reports indicating destruction of sixty percent of the building.
Carved reliefs of Mesopotamian deities appear throughout the building, including representations of Ishtar and the storm god Hadad. These images show the religious connections between the region and the broader Near East during the Iron Age.
The site lies in the northwestern part of Syria within Afrin District and access remains limited. Visitors should check current security conditions and local restrictions before planning any travel to this region.
Three enormous footprints, each one meter long, appear carved into the stone floor near the entrance portico. These prints may symbolize a divine presence and rank among the most memorable features of the entire site.
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