Monumental discovery at Byzantines vs Seljuk Turks battle site

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at the site of the Battle of Manzikert, a crucial event in world history that took place in 1071.

This battle was fought between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks and marked a significant turning point that opened the doors of Anatolia to Turkish settlers.

Now, nearly a millennium later, researchers have uncovered a monumental structure that sheds new light on this historic battlefield.

Battle of Manzikert archaeological project overview

The project began in 2020 with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, and Mus Alparslan University.

Forty-two academics from various universities are involved, working under the leadership of the Ahlat Museum.

Researchers completed surface surveys and started excavations in Afsin Mahallesi. They found a seven-meter-wide structure containing five graves.

Earlier finds in the area included arrows, spears, and other metal objects believed to be from the Battle of Manzikert.

“We are conducting the first comprehensive battlefield archaeology in Türkiye to pinpoint the exact location of the Battle of Manzikert,” said Professor Dr. Adnan Cevik from Mugla Sitki Kocman University, the project’s scientific advisor.

“We focus on metal objects that trace the battle and human casualties caused by the conflict. The area where we are excavating is related to human losses of the battle.”

Significance of recent discoveries in Türkiye

Dr. Cevik emphasized the importance of the newly discovered structure. “We have uncovered the covers of the five graves within this interesting area. Our goal is to determine whether this site could be Seljuk martyrdom,” he explained.

To date, researchers have handed over around 650 metal objects to the Ahlat Museum. These include arrow and spearheads, sword fragments, daggers, axes, and mace heads.

One of the most noteworthy findings is a 38-gram lead seal believed to have belonged to Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes. This seal provides concrete evidence of the battle’s location.

Muhammed Dolmus, an expert archaeologist and field supervisor, described the architectural find. “We have encountered a monumental structure about seven meters in size with a square plan,” he said. “Inside this structure, we have identified five graves, which we plan to open and study to complete this season’s excavation work.”

When will the excavations at the Battle of Manzikert site conclude?

Mus Governor Avni Cakir recently visited the excavation site and expressed optimism about the project’s progress. “We hope the excavations will conclude soon. We plan to create a comprehensive open-air museum that tells the full story of the Battle of Manzikert,” he said.

Governor Cakir emphasized the increasing number of findings, including artifacts related to both the Seljuk and Byzantine forces, which add valuable insights into the battle.

Dr. Cevik added, “We have found many interesting artifacts, and our work continues to reveal more about the battle. The number of metal objects we have discovered so far is significant, and each find brings us closer to understanding the historical context.”