Ancient Structure Revealed as Lake Sapanca Waters Recede
A Hidden Building Comes to Light
As water levels in Lake Sapanca continue to drop, an ancient structure decorated with mosaic flooring has emerged from beneath the surface.
Sapanca’s mayor, Nihat Arda Şahin, noted that local stories about submerged ruins have circulated for years, and this discovery appears to confirm them.
Possible Early Christian Chapel
Archaeologists from Sakarya University’s Department of Art History believe the uncovered remains belong to a small chapel or early Christian church dating back to late antiquity.
Dr. Görkem Işık, who closely examined the site, explained that the structure likely dates to the 4th–6th centuries CE, based on the building technique and the design of the mosaics.
Architectural Features and Mosaic Design
The exposed building has a rectangular plan, with walls made from cut stone and marble blocks. Inside, the floor displays remnants of mosaic and marble inlays, still visible despite centuries underwater.
The surviving surface features light-colored mosaic tiles combined with larger marble pieces arranged in geometric patterns, suggesting the floor was created with artistic intention rather than for purely practical use.
Connections to Other Underwater Discoveries
Researchers have compared the Sapanca find to another famous submerged site the basilica beneath Lake Iznik.
According to Dr. Işık, the two share striking similarities in both location and architectural layout, strengthening the idea that the Sapanca structure also served a religious purpose.
How the Chapel Ended Up Underwater
The team believes that the building sank beneath the lake due to long-term natural changes in water levels.
When the structure was originally constructed, Lake Sapanca’s waterline was significantly lower. Over many centuries, rising waters gradually covered the building, eventually concealing it entirely.
Possible Links to Nearby Byzantine Sites
Experts also suggest that the chapel may have been part of a broader Byzantine-era landscape, possibly connected with nearby settlements. One likely association is the Byzantine castle at Kurtköy, which strengthens the theory that this region once hosted a network of religious and defensive structures.
Excavation Plans Moving Forward
Due to ongoing rainfall and muddy terrain, excavation efforts have been temporarily paused. Archaeologists plan to continue their work once conditions improve, likely in the spring or summer, depending on lake levels.
