109 new graves unearthed at Türkiye’s Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery

Excavations at Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery in Bitlis, Türkiye, have revealed 109 new graves, including 65 belonging to children. The discovery was made as part of the “Legacy for the Future” project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Unveiling history in UNESCO World Heritage Site

Located on a 210-acre site listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery is one of Türkiye’s most significant historical treasures.

Under the direction of Mehmet Kulaz from Van Yuzuncu Yil University’s Department of Art History, excavations in the “Seyitler” section of the cemetery uncovered graves that had been buried entirely or partially under the soil. These efforts spanned a 7,200-square-meter area since mid-September.

Restoration of centuries-old gravestones at Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery

Kulaz, who leads the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery excavations, explained the scope of their work:

Within the ‘Legacy for the Future’ project, we have intervened in approximately 230 graves this year. Of these, 109 gravestones were newly uncovered and not previously recorded in the inventory.

The team is not only uncovering graves but also restoring gravestones that are damaged, scattered, or buried over time. These include both shahides (gravestones) and sarcophagi. Many of the newly unearthed graves belong to children, whose smaller markers were more likely to be buried due to natural phenomena such as earthquakes and soil accumulation.

Comprehensive conservation and tourism goals

The ultimate aim of the project is to restore and prepare the entire 210,000-square-meter cemetery for tourism within the next four to five years. Efforts include soil leveling, environmental arrangements, and repairs to damaged gravestones, ensuring the area is accessible and visually restored.

Kulaz emphasized the importance of these efforts:

We aim to make every square meter of the cemetery navigable and fully restored, turning it into a significant attraction for historical tourism. We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Seljuk civilization.

Preservation amid weather challenges

With work continuing as long as weather permits, the team remains optimistic. Dr. Kulaz expressed hope for favorable conditions to maximize their progress this year: “We hope the sun shines long enough for us to continue these vital efforts.”

The “Legacy for the Future” project represents a nationwide effort by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism to safeguard and revive the nation’s cultural and historical landmarks.