Iron Gate of Antioch, Antakya / Hatay province, TÜRKIYE
The Iron Gate of Antioch, standing between Mount Starius and Mount Staurin near St. Peter Cave Church, holds significant heritage value. Believed to be located close to where St. Peter gathered the first Christian community, this 18-metre-high stone structure is the only surviving gate of the five in the Antioch region. Positioned in a pass high above the city, the Iron Gate functions as a dam, strategically constructed to regulate the torrents of the Parmenios River during city floods.
A testament to the era of Emperor Justinianus, the Iron Gate is an integral component of Antioch’s city wall, a crucial piece of its rich history. Yet the damage due to the earthquake of the 6 February 2023 can be clearly observed. Even though there is no immediate risk of collapse and total loss of the monument, urgent action by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, owner of the site, in partnership with NGOs, is needed to support and protect the structure from the effects of further deterioration.
While the immediate focus has been on supporting earthquake survivors, Antioch’s resurgence from the earthquake’s aftermath relies on drawing strength from its generational knowledge and foundation. Revitalising the city requires a deep connection to its origin, exemplified by the historical significance of the Iron Gate. As Antioch reconstructs its cultural heritage, it simultaneously aids the surviving inhabitants who have endured a traumatic experience.
The restoration efforts, supported financially and culturally by the international community, promise benefits for the local community. However, due to the limited accessibility of the Iron Gate, citizens are not fully aware of its value. The inclusion in the 7 Most Endangered Programme would raise awareness, ensuring the preservation of this heritage site and fostering community pride and interest.
Europa Nostra Türkiye nominated the site to the 7 Most Endangered Programme with the support of İskender Azaroğlu.
The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme commented: “The city of Antioch suffered heavy damages from an earthquake in 2023, which killed at least 30,000 people in Antioch alone and most of the remaining survivors scattered throughout Türkiye. Despite these devastating consequences, the Iron Gate resisted to stand strong and, although there is neither immediate risk of collapse nor any formal rehabilitation plan, urgent actions to support and protect the structure from the effects of further deterioration must be taken quickly, particularly with regard to the completion of its support base, which is badly deteriorated”.
