Tharais’ın Tespiti: Madaba Mozaik Haritası’nda Bir Bizans Arkeolojik Alanının Yeniden Keşfi

Year 2025, Volume: 29, 189 - 203, 11.05.2025

Musallam Al-rawahneh

https://doi.org/10.37095/gephyra.1556742

Abstract

Bu çalışma, ünlü Madaba mozaik haritasında atıfta bulunulan ve tarihi Bizans dönemine kadar geri giden Tharais arkeolojik alanını araştırmaktadır. Amacımız, mevcut literatürü dikkatle inceleyerek bu antik yerleşimin tam yerini belirlemektir. Bu literatür arkeolojik raporları, haritaları ve tarihi kayıtları içermektedir. Saha çalışması 2021-2024 yılları arasında Ürdün’deki Karak’ın batı uzantısında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmalarımız, tarihsel olarak Moab toprakları olarak bilinen Karak platosunda yer alan El-ʿIrāq kasabasının kuzeybatı bölgesinde Tharais’i başarıyla tespit etti. Bu bölgede çanak çömlek parçaları, taş aletler ve mimari kalıntılar da dahil olmak üzere Bizans dönemine özgü arkeolojik kalıntılar ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Tharais’in bu keşfi, Bizans döneminde bölgenin tarihi ve kültürel yapısına ilişkin anlayışımızı önemli ölçüde geliştirmektedir. Bölgenin Moabit platosunu güneydoğu Ölü Deniz bölgesine bağlayan ticaret koridoru üzerindeki stratejik konumu, ticari ve dini bir merkez olarak önemine işaret etmektedir. Tharais’in Bizans dönemindeki belirli rollerini ve tarihsel bağlamını tam olarak kavramak için daha fazla arkeolojik araştırma yapılması zorunludur. Sonuç olarak, bu araştırma sadece belirli bir arkeolojik alanı aydınlatmakla kalmamakta, aynı zamanda Ürdün’ün kültürel mirasını koruma ve kollama yönündeki daha geniş çabalarla da uyum sağlamaktadır.

Keywords

Güney Ürdün , Karak , Irak , Tharais , Bizans Arkeolojisi , Madaba Mozaik Haritası

Identification Tharais: Rediscovering a Byzantine Archaeological Site on the Madaba Mosaic Map

Abstract

This study delves into the archaeological site of Tharais, which is referenced in the famous Madaba mosaic map. and dates back to the Byzantine era. Our goal is to determine the exact location of this ancient settlement by carefully examining the available literature. It includes archaeological reports, maps, and historical records. Fieldwork was conducted in the western extension of Karak Governorate in Jordan between 2021 to 2024. Our investigations successfully identified Tharais in the northwestern region of the town of El-ʿIrāq, located on Karak plateau, historically known as the land of Moab. Archaeological remnants characteristic of the Byzantine period has been excavated in this area, including pottery shards, stone implements, and architectural remains. This discovery of Tharais significantly enhances our understanding of the history and cultural structure of the region during the Byzantine period. The site’s strategic position on the trade corridor linking Moabite plateau to the south-eastern Dead Sea region hints at its prominence as a commercial and religious hub. To fully grasp the specific roles and historical context of Tharais within the Byzantine period, further archaeological exploration is imperative. In conclusion, this research not only illuminates a specific archaeological site but also aligns with the broader endeavor to safeguard and protect Jordan’s cultural legacy.

Keywords

Southern Jordan , Karak , El-ʿIrāq , Tharais , Madaba Mosaic Map. , Byzantine archaeology

Thanks

This work was partially supported by the Scientific Research Committee at Mutah University (Decision No. 891/2024). The author is deeply indebted to Dr. Fadi Balʿawi, Director General of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, for providing the necessary permissions. Special thanks are extended to Mr. Aktham Al-Abadi, Director of Excavations, and Mr. Khaled Al-Tarawneh, Director of the Department of Antiquities in Al-Karak. Finally, the author would like to express profound gratitude to Dr. Khaled Al-Mawajdah and Mr. Ahmed Al-Mawajdeh from the local community for their invaluable contributions.

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