Ahlat Cemetery
The Ahlat Cemetery is a historic burial site located in the town of Ahlat, Turkey, near the shores of Lake Van. It is renowned for its large collection of tombstones, known as tombstones of Ahlat, which date back to the Seljuk period and feature intricate carvings and inscriptions. The cemetery is considered one of the largest and most significant in the region, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples.
Covering an area of approximately 30 hectares, the cemetery contains thousands of gravestones, many of which are adorned with unique motifs and symbols. The site is not only a resting place for the deceased but also a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the time. In 2018, the Ahlat Cemetery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, highlighting its importance as a cultural landmark.