A 2500-mausoleum from the Lycian era located near Gölova, Antalya province, Southern Turkey, has been vandalised with graffiti.

The structure is considered as one of the symbolic mausoleums of the Lycian era in Turkey, dating back to the fifth and sixth century BC. It was known for classical-age paintings and Byzantine-era decorations. The mausoleum’s outer walls are reported to have been scraped off and painted with colour graffiti. Local authorities have sent photos to various directorates to clean the structure and protect it. Heritage authorities state that the monument’s original decoration is completely destroyed and has ordered cleaning of its surface with non-abrasive means. The mausoleum was previously reported to have been damaged by treasure hunters.

(after Hurriyet Daily News)