Mausoleum of Danyal, Archaeological site and mosque ruin in Tarsus, Turkey
The Mausoleum of Danyal is an archaeological site in the Şehitkerim district of Tarsus, Turkey, containing layers of construction from different periods, including two Roman arches visible below ground level. Above these, the remains of later walls and foundations show how the site was rebuilt and adapted over many centuries.
According to tradition, Caliph Umar found a large coffin with a ring beneath a riverbed, which led to the creation of this burial site. A mosque was later built on the same spot, turning the location into a religious center that remained active for centuries.
The site is venerated as the burial place of the Prophet Daniel and draws visitors from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions alike. This shared reverence makes it one of the few places where people of different faiths come for the same reason.
The site is in the middle of an active excavation area, so sturdy shoes are a good idea since the ground is uneven and there are several levels to walk through. Taking a little time to look at the different layers of stonework up close is worth the effort.
Excavations at the site revealed a hectogram carved into one of the walls, along with coins from the early Islamic period. This suggests the place was regularly used and maintained well after it was first built.
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