Ahlat Tombs

Field of medieval carved tombstones on the northwestern shore of Lake Van.

The Ahlat tombs are a broad field of carved medieval grave markers near the northwestern shore of Lake Van. Many are tall, patterned stones from the Seljuk and post-Seljuk period, with a visual rhythm quite unlike an ordinary cemetery.

Ahlat is a short dolmus ride from Tatvan, so it fits well with a lake-shore day. Go for the stones and the open setting rather than museum polish.

things to do sight cemetery history