Yanıkhan

Yanıkhan

Basilica in Yanıkhan
Shown within Turkey
Location	Erdemli, Mersin Province, Turkey
Region	Mediterranean Region
Coordinates	36°35′N 34°12′E / 36.583°N 34.200°ECoordinates: 36°35′N 34°12′E / 36.583°N 34.200°E
Type	Settlement
History
Periods	Byzantine Empire

Yanıkhan is an archaeological site in Mersin Province, Turkey.

Geography

Yanıkhan is situated in the rural area of Erdemli district which is rich in archaeological ruins. It is about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) northwest of Limonlu town. It is to the east of Limonlu-Esenpınar road and west of Limonlu River at about 36°35′N 34°12′E / 36.583°N 34.200°E. Its distance to Erdemli is 18 kilometres (11 mi) and to Mersin is 54 kilometres (34 mi).

History

The original name of the site is not known. But according to archaeological evidence it is a 5th and 6th century Byzantine site. First reference to its existence was by Professor Michael Gough in 1959.^[1]

Archaeology

Yanıkhan was a village. There are more than 30 house ruins. The most important building is a basilica. Although the houses are completely demolished a part of the basilica survives. In addition to main abscissa there are two minor abscissas. There are two sarcophagi. One may be an arcosolium which may belong to a certain Georgios Konon Chrisyophoros who, according to an inscription, was the commissioner of the basilica. . There is also a cistern to the west of the basilica.^[2] 100 metres (330 ft) to the east of the basilica there is another church (called Church B by the archaeologists).

References

1. Anatolian Studies
2. Mersin Valiliği: Mersin Ören yerleri, Kaleleri, Müzeleri, İstanbul, 2009, ISBN 978-605-4196-07-4, p 169