Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

Four metres of python skin embroidered with religious symbols to ward off evil spirits have been discovered by anti-smuggling teams along with other religious items dating back to the Middle Ages.

The religious items were found in the district of Haliliye in the south-eastern Turkish city of Sanliurfa when anti-smuggling teams carried out a search operation at two separate addresses at the end of a two-month investigation.

During the raids at the two locations, five religious books, four metres of python skin, two religious leather manuscripts, two book boxes, and one parchment containing sacred writings were seized.

Hand-crafted figures were found on the python skin that were most likely created to ward off evil spirits.

It is believed the python skin and other artefacts date back to the Middle Ages and are thought to be of Egyptian origin.

The artefacts were delivered to the Museum Directorate, while the police carried out their investigating into the two suspects.

The investigation continues.

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