Reliquaries of the Sarcophagus Type / Lahit Formlu Rolikerler

The Mediterranean is one of the foremost regions where the cult of relics spread in Christendom. Reliquaries of the sarcophagus type on display at or kept in the storehouses of Turkish museums are a strong indicator for the level of this cult in Anatolia and Istanbul with their numerous martyrs and saints. Reliquaries of various sizes, some of which are very plain while some others are decorated with figural and floral motifs, constitute an important group of items symbolizing the Christian faith both artistically and spiritually.