AHLAT TOMBSTONES

Ahlat is an ancient city and cultural center in Eastern Anatolia. The city was left to Turkish rule by local Byzantine governor in 1055. It was later used as a forward station by Alp Arslan forces during his successful military campaing against Byzantine Emperor Remenos Deogenes for the Seljuk control of Eastern Anatolia in 1071. The city was later seriously destroyed once during a capture by Celaleddin Harzemsah in 1229 and shortly after by a major earthquake. There are at least six ancient burial grounds in Ahlat that are the reminders of a long historical past and a glorious cultural heritage. Some examples from the tombstones fron these burial ground are shown below.

Reference: Beyhan Karamagarali, "Ahlat Mezar Taslari", Ministry of Culture, Ankara 1992.