- The Byzantine Episcopal Influence on the History of Side, Pamphylia
- Exploring Side, Pamphylia Hidden Byzantine Monuments
- The Lost Metropolis Episcopal Palace in Side, Pamphylia
- Discovering the Repurposed Chapel in Side Open Air Museum
- The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Market Shops – Part one
- The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Market Shops – Part Two
- The Hidden Mosaics among the Side Shops – Part 3
- Hidden Things From Side’s Fountain to Grand Theater
- Hidden Crosses in the Side Archeology Museum
- Side’s Fascinating Basilica near Apollo Temple
- Analyzing the 12 churches and chapels of Side, Pamphylia
- Analyzing the Synagogue in Side, Pamphylia
The scope of history in this museum covers some artifacts from before Christ’s time, as well as Roman and Greek history. However, Byzantine history in Side is often downplayed and categorized as lesser-known. Let’s explore what items in the museum come from the Christian perspective.
Items inside the Museum
East of the city lies the Necropolis, where many graves and sarcophagi have been found. On this one, a cross sits on the end but with a Roman figure on the horizontal side. (2021 picture). At least two sarcophagi currently sit outside with a cross on the end.
This lamp had a similar design, but it was made of brass. Notice that Roman religion had a similar focus on using the objects of their worship in the lamp designs.
Hidden Crosses in the Courtyard
Multiple crosses and marble panels scatter the courtyard. The number of cross capitals has dramatically decreased. Before 2023, at least a dozen cross capitals sat in the yard (pictured at the bottom of the blog). The one below is of interest in today’s displays. The only place on the Ancient Side where I found spiral pillars is a part of the Episcopal Palace.
The Fountain with Crosses formerly stood 100 meters west of the theater, and archeology found the panels on Harbor Street. Based on this information, the Boulevard Basilica, which is located close to Harbour Street and the central Boulevard, was located. This fountain could give us another religious site on Harbour Street despite no specific location. Near the corner of Gül ve Liman streets, numerous mosaics sit near where this fountain was located.
Elements of Public showcased items found near the amphitheater. The description did not say whether the chapel displayed these items or just within the theater.
Former items no longer on display
The new, updated museum (2025) no longer displays most smaller Byzantine items. Let’s consider what the Museum placed into storage to become hidden crosses.
The history of Side from the 4th century is a story of Christianity in the region for over 1,000 years. The people still mixed in their religious beliefs and moved toward Christianity in their lives. However, the city faced Isaurians (raiders from the inner region of Asia Minor), pirates, Persians, and Arabs until the Seljuks took over. When they came, the majority migrated toward Antalya, and the town fell into ruin.
These items formerly sat in a far corner but, on my last visit, stored away for better days. The worship of Christ focuses on the cross, the Word, and worship. These items show how worship of God is based on the Spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
Christ is the world’s light, and the lamp manifests the cross. Every home had lamps to light the rooms in the evenings. No longer available is the clay versions of these lamps, like the versions below.
2024 Renovations of Side Museum
Before the 2024 renovations, the courtyard displayed about a dozen capitals with crosses. Now, these hidden crosses are no longer on display. The incredible thing about these capitals is the different layout designs. The six different designs could point to the various locations in the city they came from.
The Byzantines loved the cross and desired to display it in stone. The stone buildings have fallen to raids, neglect, and people’s migration. However, the stone crosses are the one thing remaining besides the hollow shells of archaeologic ruins. The main point of worship that gave these people purpose was the cross. Our savior died on the cross, and now the empty cross displays his sacrificial death and resurrection.
The essential message today for us in looking to the cross is found in Romans 10:9-10, which says, “9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
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