The first capital of Anatolia: Ahlat in Bitlis, south eastern Turkey
Bitlis Ahlat, which stands out with its cultural richness and historical texture, mesmerizes visitors by combining its magnificent natural beauty. It is worth discovering the unique atmosphere of Ahlat and get to know this city where history meets nature closely.
Ahlat, a district of Bitlis, which is remarkable for its mystical atmosphere and historical riches, is an important city reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of Anatolia. Ahlat which carries traces of its thousands of years of history is like an open-air museum with its historical artifacts, famous cemetery with tombstones, and natural beauties. In this city where you can feel the soul of Anatolia, a history and natural wonder awaits you at every corner.
Just as the Bosphorus represents something for Istanbul, like an open-air museum on the shores of Lake Van, Ahlat, which blends green and blue to the north of Lake Van and is called ‘Anatolia’s Title Deed’, represents the same things. The gently sloping terrain rising along the shores of Lake Van creates an ideal location for human settlements here. Ahlat has been the center of human settlements throughout history, with famous valleys such as Madavans and Uludere. Today, it is also a holiday destination and recreational area for the region.
PLACES TO VISIT IN AHLAT
Seljuk Cemetery: Also known as Meydanlık Kabristanı (cemetery), Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery is the biggest tourism asset of Ahlat. Located between “Iki kubbe District” and Harabeşehir, the Seljuk Cemetery covers a wide area with 12th to 16th-century tombstones.
Ahlat Museum: Ahlat Museum, which opened in 1971, is one of the places to visit in the district. The museum houses historical artifacts from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Hellenistic, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Having the distinction of being the only museum in the vicinity, Ahlat Museum was moved to a new museum building built next to the Seljuk Cemetery. Construction of the museum building, which started in 2011, was completed in 2015.
Emir Bayındır Tomb and Mosque: Emir Bayındır Tomb, located on Ovakışla road in Ikikubbe District of Ahlat, was built towards the end of the 15th century. The tomb, belonging to Akkoyunlu rulers Rüstem and Bayındır is particularly noteworthy for its body on the pedestal.
Double Tombs: Located in Ikikubbe District of Ahlat, the Double Tombs were built in 1280. In this historical place, there are two tombs side by side. The larger tomb belongs to Buğatay Aka and Şirin Hatun from Akkoyunlu dynasty. The smaller tomb belongs to Esen Tekin Hatun (hatun meaning woman).
Nemrut Crater Lake: Nemrut Crater Lake, located on Mount Nemrut, is within the boundaries of Tatvan and Ahlat districts. Two-thirds of the lake is located in Ahlat district. Transportation to the lake, which is 25 kilometers away from the district center, can be provided by taxis or minibusses departing from Ahlat.
Ruined City: Ahlat Cave Houses increase the tourism value of the district. In surveys conducted in the district, it was determined that there are more than 500 caves. These caves have survived from the Neolithic Period to the present day. The caves in the district are generally clustered in the region called Ruined City. However, there are also many caves in Sultan Seyit Deresi, Kırklar Valley, Madavans Deresi, Yuvadamı Village vicinity, Gaban Deresi Valley, and Harabe Hulik Village region.
