THE ICONOGRAPHİCAL EVALUATIONS OF FRIUT DEPICTIONS AT PAVEMENT MOSAICS IN HADRIANOPOLIS AND THEIR CONNECTIONS AT AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION

Hadrianopolis is located 3 km west of Eskipazar district center in Karabük province, in and around the area called "Viranşehir". Between 2003 and 2023, excavations were carried out in eight buildings dating to the Late Roman - Early Byzantine Period in Hadrianopolis. During these excavations, pavement mosaics reflecting the ornamental character of the period were found. The pavement mosaics were decorated with geometric, floral and figurative patterns. The pavements, which were consolidated by restorers and conservators, were taken under protection in accordance with appropriate techniques. The aim of the research is to make an iconographic evaluation of the pavement mosaics in Hadrianopolis. From an iconographic point of view, fruit depictions were accepted as the symbol of the Garden of Eden in antiquity. However, approaching fruit depictions just iconographically is not enough to make a correct evaluation. İt will be discussed whether the fruit depictions are related to the agricultural activities in the region at the time the mosaics were made. Modern agricultural methods, economic conditions and climatic changes have allowed some fruits to grow today, while others have disappeared. İn this context, the depictions of fruits in Hadrianopolis will help us establish agricultural and cultural connections between the past and the present.