Studies on a Basilica and Baptistery Located in Icmeler Section of Marmaris

Abstract

Remains located at the garden of the Marti Resort Otel in the town of Icmeler, within the district of Marmaris / Mugla consists of a basilical church, a baptistery structure and architectural plastic artifacts spread around them. The first stage of the two-staged church has a basilical plan. The wall marks indicate that the middle nave of the basilical structure was turned into a single-nave structure in the Mid-Byzantine period. In addition, a tomb structure was included inside the north nave of the basilica at the same time. There is a tetraconch-planned baptistery constructed as inbuilt in the narthex on the west part of the basilical structure. The baptistery is thought to be constructed after the basilica-planned church. Architectural plastic artifacts, dated back to Early and Mid-Byzantine periods, are scattered inside the structure remains. Current remains indicate a long-termed use for many centuries beginning from the mid-5th century until the first half of 13th century.