Excavations at the Seljuk Cemetery in Turkey unearth 22 previously unknown burial sites.
The "Heritage for the Future" project, currently underway in Bitlis, Turkey, is a significant cultural initiative aimed at preserving and rehabilitating the monumental Seljuk Cemetery. This vast Turkish-Islamic burial site, recognised as one of the world's largest, is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage tentative list, highlighting its global cultural significance.
The project's goals are multifaceted, with a primary focus on the preservation of cultural heritage. Each tombstone in the Seljuk Cemetery is considered a "title deed of Anatolia," an essential legacy of the region's history. The aim is to conserve these tombstones and graves, safeguarding the memory and history of the ancestors.
Archaeological excavations and restoration work are also integral parts of the project. Recent efforts have uncovered 22 new graves, including those of eight children, and restored 51 tombstones using various techniques. The project aims to restore half of the cemetery by the end of 2025, with the entire cemetery expected to be completed by the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Once restored, the Seljuk Cemetery will be open to visitors, becoming a significant part of Turkey’s cultural tourism offerings. This move is expected to enhance local and national cultural awareness, as well as boost the local economy by creating jobs for specialists and residents.
The "Heritage for the Future" project is part of a broader heritage initiative led by Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, reflecting a comprehensive effort to preserve the Seljuk Cemetery not only as a historical site but also as a living cultural asset for future generations.
- The restoration of the Seljuk Cemetery, once completed, could potentially attract tourists from Syria and other countries, such as those within NATO, appreciative of Turkey's rich historical and cultural heritage.
- Given the anticipated increase in tourists, local Turkiye businesses may see an improvement in their home-and-garden industries, as visitors look to incorporate traditional Turkish lifestyle elements into their homes.
- With the economic growth that may follow the success of the "Heritage for the Future" project, the local community in Bitlis, Turkey, can expect an improvement in their lifestyle, as job opportunities and additional revenue streams become available.
