Turkish Archaeologists Uncover Byzantine Siege Weapons at Malazgirt Site

Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced that excavations at the historic Malazgirt battle field have revealed balista arrowheads dating to the 11th‑century Byzantine period, providing new insight into the 1071 siege of the fortress. Ersoy said, “These findings are among the most important discoveries that illuminate the unknown aspects of the Malazgirt siege.”

The ongoing archaeological work in Muş’s Malazgirt district, coordinated by local officials such as Muş Culture and Tourism Director Mehmet Şengül and researchers including Prof. Dr. Adnan Çevik, has also uncovered Roman and Byzantine coins, numerous weapons, and a Muslim cemetery. Two parallel projects are underway: the Malazgirt Battle‑Field Historical and Archaeological Surface Survey (since 2020) and the Historic Malazgirt City Excavation, slated to begin in 2025. To date, roughly 2,000 artifacts have been recovered, with plans to display many of them in local museums and a proposed experience museum.