Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery (Selçuklu Meydan Mezarlığı) Ahlat, positioned at the gateway to Anatolia, has long played a pivotal role as a meeting point for eastern and western civilizations. Its strategic location and rich historical background have made it a hub for trade and cultural interaction through the ages. In the annals of history, Ahlat stood out as one of the three key centers of science, culture, and art in the Islamic world, sharing this esteemed status with Belh in Afghanistan and Bukhara in Uzbekistan. The historical journey of Ahlat dates back to the Neolithic era, around 4000 BC, when it was initially settled by the Hurrians. Over time, the region came under the dominion of various civilizations, eventually becoming part of the Ottoman Empire. After the establishment of Turkish dominance in 1071, Ahlat emerged as a vital corridor that enabled the movement between the East and West. By the 12th century, it became the capital of the Ahlatshahs, a prominent branch of the Seljuks. With its rich strategic value and deep historical roots, Ahlat has been a focal point for numerous civilizations across time. During different eras, it was referred to as "Khlat" in the Byzantine era, "Khelath" in the Syriac era, and "Rope" during the Arab era. Nevertheless, the name "Ahlat" has endured and remained in use throughout the centuries. Beyond its stunning natural scenery, Ahlat is a rich repository of historical treasures, featuring remarkable structures such as cupolas, bezirhanes, mausoleums, fountains, and ancient cemeteries. Among these, the most iconic site is the Seljuk Cemetery. The remains of the Seljuk Square Cemetery are regarded as the most prominent historical burial ground in Ahlat, showcasing intricately carved tombstones and artistic monuments crafted by master artisans. Spanning an impressive 210,000 square meters, the Meydan Cemetery stands as the third-largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery globally. Within Ahlat’s Meydan Cemetery, visitors can find three distinct grave styles: the Şahideli cist, Sandukali, and Akıt, each reserved for different societal roles including scholars, artists, religious leaders, and craftsmen. The most important area is the "Kadis Section", where esteemed Kadis once presided over legal matters and upheld Islamic law. On the eastern faces of the tombstones in the Meydan Cemetery, details such as the deceased's name and identity are inscribed. Some of these gravestones also include the individual's occupation and place of origin. The western sides are richly decorated with geometric motifs, muqarnas carvings, and symbolic designs like the double-headed dragon, which is emblematic of Central Asian Turkish heritage. The eastern inscriptions often mention the craftsman who created the tombstone and feature passages from the Holy Quran. Other ornamental designs, including palmettes, oil lamps, and embossed triangles, contribute to the overall elegance and intricacy of the stonework. If you need further information or have any questions about the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.