He found it while planting saplings! The land he bought for 120,000 TL is now priceless.

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While trying to plant saplings in Elazığ, Mehmet Emin Sualp discovered mosaic traces, and during excavation work in his field, a single piece of floor mosaic, believed to belong to the Roman and Early Byzantine Period, was uncovered, covering an area of 84 square meters. Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu, during his inspection of the area, stated, "This mosaic, which spreads over an area of approximately 84 square meters, depicts the animal species in the region. It is a single piece and truly an impressive work."

Mehmet Emin Sualp, who lives in Salkaya village, 14 kilometers from the city center, discovered the mosaic structure with various patterns in the field he purchased in 2020 and where he dug a hole to plant saplings, last August. Thinking it was a historical relic, Sualp reported the situation to the Elazığ Museum Directorate and the gendarmerie teams. In the investigations conducted by the teams in the area, it was determined that it was a floor mosaic from the Roman and Early Byzantine Period. In the excavation and rescue operations initiated by the Elazığ Museum Directorate in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a single piece floor mosaic of 84 square meters was uncovered. It was observed that the mosaic depicted various animal figures such as lions, mountain goats, ducks, greyhounds, deer, pheasants, wild boars, bears, geese, and Anatolian leopards, as well as various types of trees and plants. Ongoing work has also revealed a church and a cellar in the area.

"ANIMALS UNIQUE TO ANATOLIA ARE DEPICTED ON IT"

Governor Numan Hatipoğlu, who conducted inspections in the area, said, "Here, a citizen found some remnants while planting saplings in his field and reported the situation to the museum. As a result of the excavations, a quite large piece of mosaic emerged in the area. This mosaic, which spreads over an area of approximately 84 square meters, depicts the animal species in the region. It is a single piece and truly an impressive work. I congratulate the landowner, our citizen who noticed this situation. If we identify areas in the region that require further excavation, we will continue our work in this regard. If we uncover a sufficient number of historical artifacts suitable for exhibition and display as a result of our work, we will develop different strategies in this regard. If such a situation does not occur, we will prepare to exhibit these historical artifacts in our Elazığ center. Various animals unique to Anatolia, such as bears, wild boars, Anatolian leopards, and deer species commonly found in the region, are vividly depicted on the mosaic. Additionally, figures related to the region's tree texture are also present. These artifacts are thought to belong to the Roman and Early Byzantine periods," he stated.

"I NOTICED IT WHILE PLANTING SAPLINGS"

Mehmet Emin Sualp, who stated that he bought the land for 120 thousand TL four years ago, said, "We purchased this land in 2020 for vineyard and garden purposes. When we started planting saplings, I discovered this floor mosaic. We applied to the museum with this awareness. Since that day, I have been on the field, working and doing my best. There are 10-15 animal figures and 4 tree depictions on the mosaic. We bought this land for 120 thousand TL at that time, but its current value is immeasurable. Of course, our museum knows its most accurate value; as this area and the adjacent 19 parcels are part of a registered structure," he said.