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Ani archaeological site discovery of Seljuk stone with Kufic inscriptions
Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery of a decorated Seljuk stone at the Ani archaeological site in Kars. The artifact was found during ongoing excavations in the Seljuk Cemetery, which have been active since 2021.
The stone, measuring 51 by 21 centimeters, features the name of the Prophet Muhammad written six times in Kufic calligraphy. The design includes an eight-pointed star motif at its center, surrounded by an inscription band. Experts believe the piece was part of a Seljuk tomb (kümbet).
Ani, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds significant historical importance as a gateway for Turkish-Islamic history in Anatolia following Sultan Alp Arslan’s conquest in 1064. The discovery is noted for its typological similarities to other Seljuk structures, such as the Mama Hatun Tomb and the Eşrefoğlu Mosque, providing further insight into the religious and artistic culture of the period.
Entities
Alp Arslan · Ani Archaeological Site · Ani Ören Yeri · Mehmet Nuri Ersoy · Ministry of Culture and Tourism · Seljuk Cemetery · Seljuk Empire · UNESCO
Claims
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- [● 5 SOURCES] Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery of a unique artifact at the Ani Archaeological Site. beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The stone measures 51 by 21 centimeters. beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Only three of the six names are currently visible because only half of the stone has survived to the present day. beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Excavations at the site have been ongoing since 2021. beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Seljuk Cemetery in Ani is identified as the first Turkish-Islamic cemetery and first Turkish martyr's shrine in Anatolia. beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The artifact is a decorated stone featuring the name 'Hz. Muhammed' written six times in Kufic script. beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The stone is believed to be an architectural piece belonging to a Seljuk tomb (kümbet). beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The artifact was found during excavations in the Seljuk Cemetery at the Ani Archaeological Site. beyazgazete.com · www.haber16.com · www.haber7.com