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A Roman-era floor mosaic has been unearthed during infrastructure works in the Dulkadiroglu district of Kahramanmaras, Türkiye, as part of the Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Project (TERRP).
The mosaic was discovered along Tevfik Kadioglu Boulevard in the Baglarbasi neighborhood, where crews were conducting underground works.
Authorities from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism were promptly notified after workers identified the ornate floor structure.
Archaeological teams documented and photographed the mosaic on site, initiating the process of safeguarding the ancient heritage.
To prevent any environmental damage, experts covered the mosaic with geotextile fabric and a protective layer of fine sand. Officials confirmed that no concrete, asphalt, or similar materials were poured over the area.
In response to claims in some media outlets alleging that the mosaic was sealed beneath concrete, the Kahramanmaras Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism issued a written statement denying these accusations.
The statement clarified that the mosaic was fully documented and preserved according to standard archaeological protocols.
“The cultural asset discovered by expert teams has been recorded and photographed. It has been protected with geotextile material and fine sand against environmental effects. No concrete, asphalt, or similar substance has been applied over the area,” the statement read.
The registration process for the mosaic has already been initiated, and the matter was swiftly forwarded to the Gaziantep Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The board will determine the next steps regarding conservation and potential display.
The discovery reinforces the historical significance of Kahramanmaras, which was seized by the Romans in 64 B.C. During the reign of Emperor Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the city was renamed "Caesarea Germanicia" in honor.
The location of the new find aligns with the ancient site of Germanicia, known from both Latin and Greek sources as a prominent city of the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods. The site gained attention after a 2007 excavation revealed a stunning collection of floor mosaics following reports of illegal digging.
Ongoing research has shown that the Germanicia mosaics reflect the socio-political, cultural, and economic life of the city during Late Antiquity. Rich in detail and craftsmanship, the mosaics include vegetal and geometric motifs, depictions of daily life, and architectural scenes
The tesserae—the tiny tiles used to create the mosaics—are arranged with impressive precision, allowing for intricate detail in the artwork. The diversity in iconography and composition highlights the city's artistic richness and offers insight into the cultural narrative of the time.
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