One of the oldest churches in Anatolia found in northern Turkey

Possibly one of the oldest churches in Anatolia was unearthed in the northern Turkish province of Karabük, a report said Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency (AA), the discovery was made during excavation works in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis located in Karabük's Eskipazar district.

Hadrianopolis used to be an important site of pilgrimage for early Christians until the city lost its importance in 8^th century A.D.

Researchers found a 1,500-year-old structure believed to one of the earliest churches built in the Anatolian peninsula, AA said.

Karabük University Archeology Department teaching member Assist. Prof. Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş said the ancient church is 20 meters long and is situated in a significant location.

Çelikbaş added that the construction of the church coincides with the period of Saint Alypius the Stylite, who is believed to have lived between 6^th and 7^th centuries A.D. He was one of the pillar-saints of Christian faith, who climbed on top of pillars and spent the rest of their lives with preaching, fasting and praying.

The excavations of the 1,500-year-old structure, decorated with a mosaic floor with a bull figure, continue under the supervision of the Kastamonu Museum.