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©The Archaeological Settlements of Turkey - TAY Project
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Kaya Sunaklari ve Kaya Mezarlari (Çal / Bayiralan) |
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Type:
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Rock-cut Tomb |
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Altitude:
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m |
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Region:
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Aegean |
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Province:
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Denizli |
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District:
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Çal |
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Village:
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Bayiralan |
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Investigation Method:
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Survey |
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Period:
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| It is located in Tantan Mevkii, on the northwest of Bayiralan Village, on the eastern skirts of Çökelez Mountain in Çal District of Denizli Province.Theyappear in the Denizli Culture Inventory which was achieved after the surveys organized by the Denizli Province Culture and Tourism Directorship in 2011. On the westernmost part of the sanctuary, the west side of the bedrock in N-S direction has been flattened by burnishing. A deep niche which extends towards the top of the rock was opened in the middle section. This deep niche is shaped like throne and formed in chair shape by carving alcoves. Also, some other niches in various sizes were opened in different directions. All of three altars open to the east. The biggest one was probably used as the rock throne of the priest of the Goddess Kybele who runs the religious ceremony. It was suggested that offerings were made for Kybele and a removable statue or an idol were placed on these altars. Also, three rock graves arranged in lines and dated to Phrygian Period were discovered on the eastern side of the sanctuary where the rock altar is located. Therefore, this area could have been used for performing the rituals of mortuary practices as well. The rock graves: There are three rock graves carved into three independent rocks on the eastern side of the sanctuary. They are aligned from east to west. The graves are in rectangular plan have hipped roof. Bayiralan Rock Graves; these graves bear the characteristics of Phrygian Period and are located in the sanctuary and the rock altar. Hence, it was suggested that these graves were probably used as grave temples integrated with Kybele Cult. |
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