Ancient Turkish document may be 1500-year-old Bible

February 24, 2012

The cultural ministry of Turkey has reported finding a 1,500-year-old document, possibly written in Aramaic, which may be the apocryphal “Gospel of Barnabas.” Turkish authorities say that the document was seized from smugglers in 2000. It will need repairs before it can be exhibited, they said.

Vatican officials have reportedly asked for an opportunity to study the manuscript. Although many news accounts identified it as an ancient Bible, the content cannot be determined until it is cleaned and translated. Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, is rarely used in the same form today.

 

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Further information:

• Turkey: a 1,500-year-old Bible handed to Culture ministry (ANSAmed)
• Vatican asks to examine ancient bible, media It may contain pro-Islamic apocryphal gospel of Barnabas (ANSAmed)