Prophet Daniel’s Tomb in Tarsus attracts faith tourism visitors

DREAMS WISDOM  / MERSIN, TURKEY — DEC. 6, 2025

Makam-i Danyal Mosque in central Tarsus, where Roman-era ruins were unearthed during 2006 excavations, has become a key destination for faith tourism by hosting the symbolic tomb of Prophet Daniel.

Rescue excavations conducted beneath the mosque, originally built in 1857 on the site of the symbolic tomb, revealed the historical depth of the region. The site, which houses the grave of Prophet Daniel—revered as the "prophet of abundance" in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian narratives—remains open to visitors following extensive restoration efforts.

Historical Discovery and Excavations

Rescue excavations were initiated by the Tarsus Museum between 2006 and 2007 after an arched structure was discovered during excavation work for an ablution area by the Tarsus Municipality.

The excavations revealed a bridge structure dating back to the Roman period. To the north of the bridge, a rectangular structure dating to the 7th century was found, alongside a tomb with window openings on the south and east, and a monastery-vaulted dome dating to the 13th century. A seven-pointed star relief on a block stone on the eastern façade of the tomb stands out as a significant architectural detail.

Findings During the Caliph Umar Era

Historical accounts point to the conquest of Tarsus by Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, the commander of Islamic forces, during the reign of Caliph Umar. According to narratives, a sarcophagus was discovered during the reconstruction of the city, containing a body wearing a ring depicting a child between two lions.

After the ring was sent to Caliph Umar, it was concluded that the depiction symbolized the events experienced by Prophet Daniel. To ensure the safety of the remains, Commander Abu Musa buried the grave deeper and diverted the course of the nearby Berdan (Kydnos) River to flow over the site, preventing theft.

Daniel the Prophet of Abundance

Born in Jerusalem in 605 B.C., Prophet Daniel became known for his knowledge and prophecy during the years of exile under the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II. Legends state that he was left in a cave to escape a death order and raised by lions. Later invited to Tarsus by the King of Cilicia during a famine, his arrival is believed to have brought abundance to the city, where he lived until his death.

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