The Inscribed Skull of ‘Pilgrim Dimitrakis’ found in Sinop, Turkey!

During a recent archaeological excavation at the historic Balatlar Church in Sinop, Turkey, a remarkable discovery was made—a male skull with a Greek inscription reading “Pilgrim Dimitrakis.” This rare find, located in the ossuary section of the church, marks the first time such an artifact has been uncovered in Turkey.

Photo Credit: Hitit University

The Discovery and Its Significance

The excavation team, led by Professor Gülgün Köroğlu from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, identified the skull as belonging to an Orthodox cleric who had made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This conclusion was reached through detailed examinations, including 3D tomography and paleopathological analysis at Hitit University Erol Olcok Training and Research Hospital. The studies revealed that the skull had a tumor and showed signs of bone thinning, providing insights into the health of the individual.

According to Associate Professor Mustafa Tolga Çırak, Head of the Department of Anthropology at Hitit University, this discovery is unprecedented in Anatolia, though similar examples have been found in Greece and Egypt. The inscription, “Pilgrim Dimitrakis,” indicates the cleric's spiritual journey to Jerusalem, a significant event in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

The Historical Context of Balatlar Church

Balatlar Church, also known as Sinop Koimesis Church, has a rich and varied history. Originally built as a Roman Imperial bathhouse in the second century, it was converted into a church by the late 4th or early 5th century. The church continued to serve its religious function until the late 20th century and became an Orthodox burial site during the Ottoman period. Over the centuries, many burials were conducted within the church's yard and interior, making it a significant cemetery for the Orthodox community.

The Practice of Inscribing Skulls

The practice of inscribing names on skulls and displaying them is part of an ancient Orthodox burial tradition known as the "skull cult." This ritual involves removing the skull from the body, inscribing it with the deceased's name, and displaying it on a shelf within the church. Until now, this practice had not been documented in Anatolia, making the discovery of “Pilgrim Dimitrakis” particularly noteworthy. The skull has been dated to the 19th century, based on archaeological objects and coins found alongside it.

Photo Credit: Hitit University

Ongoing Research at Balatlar Church

Professor Köroğlu and her team have been conducting extensive studies of the Byzantine period in Sinop since 2010, with Balatlar Church being a focal point due to its rich historical layers. The site is significant for its transformation from a Roman bath complex—comprising various chambers like the Palaestra, Frigidarium, Tepidarium, Caldarium, and Laconicum—into a church.

Today, the structure is widely recognized as a church, despite its origins as a bathhouse. It has served various purposes throughout its long history, including during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, reflecting the region's diverse cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The discovery of the inscribed skull of “Pilgrim Dimitrakis” offers a fascinating glimpse into the burial practices and religious traditions of the Orthodox community in historical Anatolia. As archaeological work continues at Balatlar Church, it is likely that more insights will emerge, further enriching our understanding of the region's complex history.