The Derecik Basilica "discovered in the northwestern province of Bursa Orhaneli the city in 2000 was claimed as one of the first churches in the world that was constructed after Christianity was accepted as an official religion of the Roman Empire.

Speaking to AA, Dean of the Department of Archeology at the Uludag University (UU), Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sahin said that the excavations at the Basilica Derecik "for 2008 is over.

"The excavations began in Derecik village in 2007. Prof. Dr. Michel Fuchs of the University of Lausanne, and are co-chairing the excavations. We made an important discovery this year. The Basilica Derecik" becomes one of the world’s first churches. It may even be the first church built after the Roman Empire adopted Christianity, "said Dr. Sahin.

"In 2008, we have found a place of worship underneath the church. The place of worship was erected for the Greek god Zeus. Also discovered stamps and rings with Arabic letters on them. This indicates that this site was that both Christians and Muslims "said Dr. Sahin.

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