1,500-year-old grave steles discovered in Türkiye's Istanbul

Photo taken on July 5, 2023 shows a 1,500-year-old grave stele discovered in downtown Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua)

At least three

ancient grave steles have been discovered in downtown Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city, local officials announced Thursday.

Mahir Polat, deputy secretary-general of the Istanbul Municipality, said the 1,500-year-old steles were unearthed during the ongoing archeological excavation at the Sarachane Archeology Park.

"Our teams have unearthed a magnificent group of historical artifacts just one meter below the surface in the heart of Istanbul," Polat told reporters at a press briefing at the park.

The official said another artifact has also been found in the same excavation in the park, but it is still unclear whether it is a grave stele.

Photo taken on July 5, 2023 shows a 1,500-year-old grave stele discovered in downtown Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua)