Mithras Temple of Diyarbakır, Ancient Roman temple in Zerzevan Castle, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
The Mithras Temple of Diyarbakır is an underground sanctuary carved into the rock walls of Zerzevan Castle. The structure features three niches used for religious ceremonies and includes a network of water channels running through the chambers.
The sanctuary was built in ancient times to serve soldiers stationed at this eastern edge of the Roman Empire. Its construction reflects an era when Roman garrisons occupied this remote fortress and maintained their religious traditions.
The temple served as a gathering place where soldiers performed rituals dedicated to Mithras, their protective deity. The carved spaces show how central these ceremonies were to daily spiritual life in the remote fortress.
The site is located within the castle and requires careful walking over uneven, damp ground as water still flows through the ancient channels. Wear sturdy shoes and plan your visit during daylight hours to better see the carvings on the walls and ceiling.
Animal figures are carved into the ceiling, possibly representing symbols in Mithras worship that remain mysterious. These details reveal how artistically sophisticated the temple was despite being hidden underground.
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