Mithras is an important Persian god of light who became well-known around 600 BC. Roman soldiers called him "the god who can never be defeated or destroyed." His role in ancient beliefs was significant. In 2017, archaeologists found the last temple dedicated to him in the city of Diyarbakır, which has led to more interest in his influence.
Discoveries at Zerzevan Castle
Excavations at Zerzevan Castle in the Çınar district of Diyarbakır have revealed important findings from the Roman Empire, and one significant discovery is the nearly 1,900-year-old underground temple dedicated to Mithras. This site has a rich history and unique architecture that could attract more tourists to the area.
The World Federation of Tourism Writers and Journalists (FIJET) and the Association of Tourism Writers and Journalists of Turkey ATURJET, which represents it in Turkey, gave the “Golden Apple” award, which is called the “Oscar of Tourism”, to Diyarbakır in 2018. The "Golden Apple" is FIJET’s equivalent of the Oscar. This excellence award is presented each year to an organization, country, city, or person in recognition of superior efforts in promoting and raising the level of tourism.
Zerzevan Castle. (Mihrirojin/CC BY-SA 4.0).
Researchers also found a hidden area at the Zerzevan Castle that was likely used for secret rituals, and the castle has an interesting past that dates back to the ancient Assyrian era.
It began as a Roman border garrison and grew into a large military settlement by the third century AD. During peaceful times, about 1,500 people lived within its walls, but during conflicts, the population could rise to 10,000 as more people sought safety there.
Archaeological studies show that Zerzevan Castle has been inhabited since 882 BC and was a center of life until the Islamic conquest in 639 AD. Some scholars think that the temple's mysterious nature may have inspired secret groups like the Illuminati. The growing interest in Zerzevan has attracted the attention of actor Morgan Freeman, who plans to film parts of his documentary series "The Story of God” there.
The Temple of Mithras
The Temple of Mithras is an impressive structure. It measures 7 meters long, 5 meters wide, and stands 2.5 meters tall. Inside, it has beautifully carved columns and niches that highlight the artistry of its time. One wall shows Mithras' radiant crown, which symbolizes his divine light and power, capturing the essence of ancient worship.
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On the ceiling, there are also four tie-ups where the drugged bull is hung by its feet, a bowl, and a pool where the blood flows. During the ritual, people who bathed in and drank the blood of the sacrificed bull were thought to be cleansed of their sins and initiated into the faith of Mithras.
Mithras' followers sat in the temple according to their rank, with the 7th rank being the highest. Due to the prohibitions of other rituals following the spread of Christianity, the altar for bull sacrifices is no longer present.
Temple of Mithras inside Zerzevan Castle. (Clemens Schmillen/CC BY-SA 4.0).
Mithras began as a sun god in ancient Iran around the 5th century BC. He was seen as a powerful figure who ruled the cosmos. Over time, this belief developed into Mithraism, a complex system of worship that influenced many mystical movements.
Mithraism Arrives in Rome
Mithraism came to the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD, partly due to the success of Persian military campaigns. It quickly became popular, especially among soldiers.
In pagan Rome, a select group of high-ranking military officials, wealthy merchants, aristocrats, and even some emperors practiced this mystery religion. They worshiped Mithras, who was believed to have great control over the universe.
Mithras was more than just a god; he was seen as a symbol of the sun, representing justice, light, faith, and warfare. Much about Mithraism is still unclear because its rituals were secretive and few written records have survived. Most of what we know comes from archaeologists who have found pieces of this ancient belief system. Mithras stood for ideas that went beyond mythology, symbolizing justice, light, friendship, and the importance of agreements.
His name means "mediator," which shows his important role in different cultures, especially during the height of the Roman Empire. The mystery of Mithraism grew with its complex rituals and symbols, attracting a wide and increasing number of followers. However, the shifting tides of spirituality that swept through Europe in the 4th century AD brought with them the ascendance of Christianity, resulting in the eventual suppression of the Mithraic faith and a tragic loss of its once-vibrant rituals.
The Duino Mithraeum. (bepslabor/Canva).
Recent archaeological discoveries have found Mithraic temples and artifacts, helping us understand this ancient religion and its mysterious practices. This new information allows us to connect the legacy of Mithras to the modern world.
The Transition from Mithraism to Christianity
The rise of new religions often depended on military strength. A key moment occurred in the year 313 with Constantine's Edict of Milan.
This important edict marked a significant change in Christianity’s history within the Roman Empire. It allowed Christians to worship openly without fear of persecution. The edict also gave them legal rights, letting them build churches and reclaim properties that had been taken from them. Additionally, integrating trained Christian soldiers into the Roman army gave Constantine a strategic advantage. These soldiers were continuously trained because the Roman army was pursuing them in an attempt to destroy them. These soldiers not only supported the new faith but also strengthened the military, helping Christianity gain more acceptance among other religious groups of the time.
In the years after the Edict of Milan, especially in the late fourth century, Christianity grew quickly and became more influential than other Middle Eastern religions. This growth reached its peak in 381 A.D. when Theodosius, the Roman Emperor, made Christianity the official state religion. This change significantly impacted the region's spiritual beliefs. Earlier, around 60 A.D., St. Paul had worked hard to reshape the story of Jesus. He was a key figure in building the theological and moral base of Christianity, giving it a clear belief system. Other apostles also spread this new faith, working together to share its teachings and grow a community of believers in many different places.
Top image: Mithras sacrificing a bull.
Source: British Museum/Public Domain.
A. Refik Kutluer is currently the partner and General Manager of Alabanda Tourism Inc. in Ankara, and he was the first tourism executive in Turkey to hold the title of “CTIE – Certified Travel Industry Executive.”Kutluer is also the founder of Ref Productions, through which he and his wife, flute soloist Şefika Kutluer, organized an International Festival in Turkey with the theme “East Meets West” for 15 years. Additionally, he serves as the President of ANKUGE, the Association for Research and Development of Anatolian Cultures, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting Anatolian cultural heritage. As an author, he contributes to the international archaeology journal Ancient Origins and has written articles published in the USA Travel Institute magazine and various newspapers and magazines in Turkey and abroad.
