THE PARTHO-ROMAN RELIEFS FROM TUR ABDIN: ROCK-CUT RELIEFS OF BEGANI

This paper analyses the Begani rock reliefs, a crucial body of works reflecting the complex cultural and artistic interactions of the Partho-Roman period in northern Mesopotamia. The study investigates the strong links between the reliefs and Parthian and Mesopotamian artistic traditions and focuses on the iconographic elements that characterise this period, such as clothing, postures, and weapons. The analyses indicate that the Begani reliefs have common features with sculptural works from prominent artistic centres such as Edessa, Hatra and Palmyra, pointing to a broader cultural network in the region. The synthesis of local traditions in the depicted garments, including tunics and trousers, demonstrates the widespread influence of these artistic expressions across different regions. Furthermore, the paper highlights the Adiabene kingdom's role as a major regional power, which probably influenced artistic production in neighbouring principalities by evaluating the reliefs in the context of the kingdom of Adiabene. The influence of the Parthian Empire and subsequent Roman control has been recognised as crucial in shaping the region's artistic landscape. Despite the difficulties posed by the damage the reliefs suffered, which made it challenging to identify the figures, the details provide insight into the artistic transformations of the period. The results emphasise the importance of further research into the iconography of the Begani reliefs and their relationship with other regional works. This approach aims to improve our understanding of the social and religious contexts of the sculptural traditions of northern Mesopotamia and their interrelationships within the framework of artistic production in the region.