Archaeological Excavation Works Continue at the Malazgirt Battlefield

The second phase of the 2024 excavation works has begun as part of the Malazgirt Battlefield Identification, Historical, and Archaeological Surface Research Project, initiated in 2020 with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with our university, and in collaboration with the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums and the Ahlat Museum.

This year's excavation activities are being carried out in the cemetery area located in Afşin District of Malazgirt, believed to be the "Seljuk Headquarters" or the "Seljuk Martyrdom."

To examine the excavation works on-site and to gather information, Muş Deputy Governor Cihat Abukan, Malazgirt District Governor Göksu Bayram, and Varto District Governor Musa Ayyıldız visited the site and received information from Prof. Dr. Yunus Levent Ekinci about the geophysical studies conducted as part of the project.

Prof. Dr. Ekinci stated that they are examining the physical parameter contrasts such as the magnetization intensity, specific resistance, and density of the underground geological structures through surface measurements. He said, "With this method, we interpret the geological images we obtain from underground. On the maps we create based on this interpretation, we identify color tones that are anomalies, not fitting the geological structure of the ground. Through these studies, we have identified many grave covers."

Project Coordinator Specialist Archaeologist Oğuzhan Karaçetin and Specialist Archaeologist Muhammed Dolmuş provided detailed information about the excavation works, stating that this year's excavations have yielded significant findings in uncovering Seljuk period graves and headquarters structures. Karaçetin and Dolmuş emphasized that the excavation works significantly contribute to bringing the historical and cultural values of the region to light.

While the excavation works carried out in Malazgirt with the partnership of our university continue to attract the attention of the scientific community and the public, the historical and archaeological value of Muş and Malazgirt becomes clearer thanks to the work being done.