Ahlat Rock Settlements

The Ahlat Rock Settlements have been used for various purposes since ancient times and have survived to the present day. They are said to be one of the first rock settlement areas in the Eastern Anatolia region. Factors such as severe earthquakes in the region, the need to settle in fertile valleys due to drought, the destruction of settlements due to wars and invasions, and harsh climatic conditions contributed to the emergence of these rock settlements. The destruction and collapse of the western side of the Old Ahlat Fortress led to the loss of dozens of caves, while the caves on the eastern side have survived. These rock structures, carved into the stone, are generally two stories with similar layouts. The rock cavities have been arranged as places of worship and dwellings. The most notable of the rock settlements features a large, well-ordered space with a barrel-vaulted roof, accessed through a door with muqarnas decoration above. On the wall directly opposite the entrance, there are two peacock figures carved in relief into the rock. Just behind this area and directly opposite the entrance, there is an apse with a small room inside. Additionally, there are two small rooms on either side of the entrance, each accessible through doors opening into vaulted spaces. These caves, which are formed from rock cavities, are believed to have been used as military depots and cold storage during the fortress's prosperous period. Some of the rock cavities were used as residences and places of worship until recent times.