A Roman-era tomb monument: 2,000 years of history in the middle of a peach orchard

The obelisk, a Roman-era tomb monument located in the İznik district of Bursa, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, has been standing in its original splendor among peach orchards for 2,000 years.

The monument is named "dikilitaş" (obelisk) because it consists of five white marble blocks with three surfaces that rise upwards and are placed on top of each other with iron wedges.

It is known that the Greek inscription on the first, wider stone of the monument reads: "C. Cassius Philiscus, son of C. Cassius Asklepiodotus, lived for 83 years."

The obelisk, which attracts the attention of both local and foreign tourists, has become a focal point for everyone with its grandeur.

It has been suggested that the structure was originally composed of 6 pieces, stood 15.5 meters high, and featured a 'bird' figurine at the top.

The fact that the tomb is located in the part of the monument buried in the ground, and that large rubble stones and wall traces were found in the pits, has documented that this place was built in the style of a tumulus burial chamber.

'THERE ARE PEOPLE COMING FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO SEE IT'

Tourism operator Ali Karaman in İznik said, "It has maintained its grandeur for 2,000 years. Recently, people have been coming here from all over the world. I recommend that citizens visit the obelisk when they come to İznik.

This place is a bit tucked away. We are happy that the surroundings of such a historical site have been enclosed in this way. We want to see this in all historical tourism areas."