In the southwest of Turkey's Mardin province lies the world's oldest and largest underground city, recently uncovered and named "Madit" by modern historians. The discovery was made in an unusual manner when a man, searching for his chickens, stumbled upon a hidden door behind a wall in his house, leading to a tunnel.
This tunnel revealed a vast subterranean city. Archaeologists began their excavation and cleaning efforts in 2020, and have since discovered dozens of tunnels and over 50 rooms. The city's intricate network of tunnels, carved from rock, connects these rooms. The longest tunnel uncovered so far spans 120 meters.
Experts estimate that Madit once housed around 70,000 people. The ancient residents built grain and food storage areas, dug wells for water, and even created kitchens with smoke exhaust systems. There were also places of worship, sacrificial areas, and facilities to keep animals for transport.
A large portion of this mysterious city remains unexplored and inaccessible. Located approximately 280 feet below the earth's surface, historians date Madit back to around 900 BC. The city covers an estimated area of 900,000 square meters, though only a small fraction has been excavated.
Marwan Yavez, the excavation director, suggests several reasons for the city's subterranean location. It may have provided shelter from harsh weather or served as a refuge from enemies. The narrow, rocky entrance supports the idea that it was a defensive hideout.
Historically, the residents of Madit likely belonged to the reign of Ashurnaserpal II, who ruled from 883 to 859 BC. His empire stretched from the Gulf in the east to Egypt in the west. The region, once known as Mesopotamia, is considered one of the world's oldest civilizations, with various kingdoms, including those of the Arabs, Romans, and Byzantines.
Historian Ikram Akman believes that the caves may have also served as refuges during the spread of Judaism and Christianity, protecting those escaping persecution. The city endured for about 2,000 years, with its last inhabitants believed to have left around 1920, after which it remained hidden for decades.
Interestingly, Madit is not the only underground city in the area. Around 40 other locations with similar underground cities have been identified, but Madit stands out as the largest and most significant of them all.
