CHARACTERIZATION OF MEDIEVAL GLASS FROM CIZRE CASTLE EXCAVATION BY SEM-EDS AND P-EDXRF ANALYSES

The ancient glass artifacts uncovered in Cizre Castle excavations between 2013- 2017 in Şirnak province were analysed archaeometrically, ensuring all samples were recorded and catalogued appropriately. The production techniques of the samples were determined in terms of sample pore shapes via scan electron microscope analysis (SEM). The elemental and mineralogical structure of the glass samples were analysed via portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (P-EDXRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with X-Ray Energy Dispersive (SEM-EDS). Complementary analysis showed that seven pieces of glasses are soda/lime glass and other seven are potash – lime glass. Also, the high SiO2 content of the samples not only illustrated the high mechanical strength and durability, but also proved that they have high melting temperatures. The low rate of K and/or Mg showed that plant ash was not present in the glass samples and the different rates of Al content in the samples addressed the different sources of the raw materials. The absence or low values of Zr and Sr in the material analysis emphasized that materials obtained for production of glass were terrestrial. Finally, detection of Fe, Mn, Co and Cu elements were discovered to be used as colorants for the glasses.