At least three ancient grave steles have been discovered in downtown Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city, local officials announced Thursday (July 6).

Mahir Polat, deputy secretary-general of the Istanbul Municipality, said the 1,500-year-old steles were unearthed during the ongoing archaeological excavation at the Sarachane Archeology Park.

"Our teams have unearthed a magnificent group of historical artefacts just one meter below the surface in the heart of Istanbul," Polat told reporters at a press briefing at the park.

The official said another artefact has also been found in the same excavation in the park, but it is still unclear whether it is a grave stele.

STORY: 1,500-year-old grave steles discovered in Türkiye's Istanbul
DATELINE: July 7, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:13
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Sarachane archaeology park in Istanbul, Türkiye
2. pics of 1,500-year-old grave steles
3. various of Sarachane archaeology park in Istanbul, Türkiye

STORYLINE:

At least three ancient grave steles have been discovered in downtown Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city, local officials announced Thursday.

Mahir Polat, deputy secretary-general of the Istanbul Municipality, said the 1,500-year-old steles were unearthed during the ongoing archeological excavation at the Sarachane Archeology Park.
   
"Our teams have unearthed a magnificent group of historical artifacts just one meter below the surface in the heart of Istanbul," Polat told reporters at a press briefing at the park.
   
The official said another artifact has also been found in the same excavation in the park, but it is still unclear whether it is a grave stele.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)