"Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and rich culture of Türkiye by visiting an exceptional gem hidden away in the historical town of Bitlis - the Ahlat Museum. This is not just a museum; it's a time capsule that transports you back to the ages of sublime Turkish civilizations.

 Situated in the ancient town of Ahlat, part of Bitlis province in the majestic eastern part of Türkiye, the Ahlat Museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts. The museum’s exhibits are organized into four main sections: Archaeological, Urban Memory, Foyer, and Garden. In the Archaeological Hall, you will find artifacts spanning from the Chalcolithic Age, Early and Middle Bronze Age, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age, Middle Iron Age (Urartian), Hellenistic, Roman, Eastern Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Each item tells captivating stories of bygone times, including elaborate stone carvings, ornate ceramics, coins, weapons, and even timeless parchments.

 Engage with history on a personal level by walking through the ancient tombs and gravestones in the museum's open-air museum section. Each stone is a storyteller, whispering tales of warriors, scholars, and artists who once graced this region. Also, don't miss the remnant ruins of medieval cultures that portray the region's historical transformation over centuries.

 The Ahlat Museum in Bitlis, Türkiye, is not just a testament to Türkiye's archaeological wealth and historical lineage, but also a testament to human history, creativity, and resilience. Devote a day to explore this less-trodden yet culturally rich part of Türkiye. The museum's doors are always open to those with a curious mind, eager to discover the beautifully blended cultures and histories of Türkiye. Live the history, embrace the culture, and return carrying a piece of Bitlis's soul.

 Don't miss out on this unique exploration opportunity that represents a significant aspect of Türkiye's tourism assets. So, pack your bags and set your course for the Ahlat Museum, where time stands still, and history comes alive!"

"The Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, located in Bitlis, Türkiye, is one of the largest Islamic cemeteries in the world, covering 210,000 square meters with 8,169 tombstones dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. The tombstones serve as essential historical records, reflecting the beliefs, artistic sensibilities, and social structures of the communities that once thrived in Ahlat. They symbolize the cultural bridge between Central Asia and Anatolia, reflecting the Turks' settlement and expansion across Anatolia. The tombstones display three main types: Shahid, Sanduka, and Akıt, reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of the Turkish people. The eastern face often includes the identity of the deceased, their origin, and profession, while the western face features the craftsman's name, Quranic verses, and intricate motifs. Visit the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery to experience this unparalleled blend of history, art, and cultural legacy.

Ahlat’s Seljuk Cemetery is not just a cemetery; it is the ""Orkhon Monuments of Anatolia"" and a lasting testament to the cultural and historical heritage of the Turkish people. Each stone tells a unique story of warriors, scholars, and artists, narrating the profound history of the region. Visit Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery in Bitlis to experience this unparalleled blend of history, art, and cultural legacy."

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.

The Tughrul Bey Mosque, known as Anatolia's first domed mosque, is located beneath the Adilcevaz Castle on the Ahlat-Adilcevaz road near Lake Van. Built in the 16th century by Zal Pasha, a vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, this mosque showcases the early Ottoman Grand Mosque architectural plan. The mosque is built from local Ahlat stone and features twelve small domes. The mosque includes a three-domed portico on the northern side, formed by two columns and connecting walls. At the center of the portico, the mosque’s entrance displays a pointed arch within a recessed niche, although the space above the doorway intended for an inscription remains empty. There are also windows on either side of the entrance. The prayer hall, a rectangular space, is supported by four columns connected by arches, with nine small domes atop stone pendentives covering the hall. On the eastern and western sides of the hall, two rows of pointed arch windows are arranged, with the upper row containing one additional window. Facing the mihrab, three pointed arch windows are arranged in two rows. The mihrab itself projects outward in a pentagonal shape and is capped with a pyramidal hood. A square-based minaret, adorned with meander motifs and ornamental bands near the top of its base, is attached to the northwest corner of the mosque, adjoining the portico. The base transitions into a round shaft, which is further embellished with white stone patterns, giving it a more striking appearance.