Remarkable images captured beneath the waters of the Dicle Dam lake in southeastern Türkiye have revealed a hidden archaeological landscape dating back approximately 2,400 years. The submerged remains were recorded in the Eğil district of Diyarbakır, a region long celebrated for its deep historical and cultural legacy. Situated around 52 kilometres from the city centre, Eğil has witnessed continuous human occupation for thousands of years, serving as a crossroads for major civilisations including the Hurri-Mitanni, Assyrians, Urartians, Persians, Romans and Byzantines, before coming under Islamic rule in the 7th century. Much of this rich heritage now lies beneath the waters of the Dicle Dam Lake. The reservoir was created following the construction of the Dicle Dam, which began in 1986 and became operational in 1997. While the dam remains a critical source of drinking and utility water for the region, its creation also led to the submergence of extensive historical settlements along the Tigris River, fundamentally reshaping the landscape. Among the remains preserved underwater are rock-cut tombs, religious complexes and civic structures spanning multiple historical periods. Particularly significant are the submerged mosque and tomb associated with the Prophet Elisha, alongside the Ottoman-era Caferiye—also known as Lala Kasım—Madrasa, as well as large cemetery areas. Image Credit : ANADOLU AGENCY The tomb of the Prophet Zulkifl was also impacted by rising waters; however, both prophets’ tombs were relocated to higher ground in 1995 in an effort to safeguard them from complete inundation. Additional structures, including the Byzantine-era Deran Bath, remain remarkably intact beneath the lake. Experts note that many of these buildings have retained a surprising degree of structural preservation despite decades underwater, offering valuable opportunities for further study. Prof. Dr. İrfan Yıldız, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design at Dicle University, underscored the significance of the discovery. He explained that the construction of the dam brought profound changes to the district, submerging entire neighbourhoods—most notably Tekke and Hacıyan—along with their historical landmarks and cultural fabric. Footage captured during recent dives further highlights the scale and condition of these submerged remains, reinforcing the importance of continued research into this hidden archaeological landscape. Sources : AA