Ankara: Excavations in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in the Turkish Black Sea region province of Karabuk have uncovered a fourth-century AD reception hall featuring rare mosaic designs, scholars said Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the excavation project led by archaeologist Ersin Celikbas of Karabuk University was conducted under the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry's Heritage for the Future Project in Eskipazar. This year's focus was on the site's inner citadel, where a large mosaic-floored chamber was discovered.

Ersin Celikbas explained that the room has been identified as a reception hall, suggesting it was part of a palace complex at Hadrianopolis. The discovery is considered significant for Black Sea and Anatolian archaeology. The mosaics in the hall feature various designs, including peacocks drinking from a fountain, geometric patterns, ribbon designs, an eight-pointed star, and motifs not previously recorded in academic literature. Approximately 80% of the mosaic surface remains intact.

Some human figures were also detected in the mosaics, although they are mostly damaged. Celikbas mentioned that further excavation work is planned for 2026 to uncover additional sections of the palace. The identity of the human figures, whether mythological or religious, remains undetermined, but the mosaics display remarkably striking patterns.

Celikbas highlighted the significance of these discoveries for Anatolian archaeology, noting that certain motifs have been identified for the first time and have never before been recorded in the region. Serkan Civa, the mayor of Eskipazar, stated that interest in Hadrianopolis is growing. The site recently received official 'ruins' status, and plans are underway to offer new visitor facilities to accommodate the increasing number of guests.