Overview

• Karaman Governorship announced on October 8 that five carbonized loaves were recovered at Topraktepe, the site of ancient Eirenopolis in south‑central Turkey, and dated them to the 7th–8th centuries A.D.
• One loaf bears a faint image of Jesus portrayed as a sower and an inscription in Greek reading “With gratitude to the Blessed Jesus.”
• Archaeologists reported additional markings on the loaves, including one resembling the Maltese Cross.
• Officials said unnamed specialists suggest the loaves may be examples of Eucharist bread used in early Christian rituals, while stressing the exceptional preservation due to carbonization.
• Further independent analyses have not yet been published; recent reports say the team plans chemical and botanical testing and aims to locate the associated place of worship.