Archaeo-geophysical Investigations in Ahlat Seljuk Square Cemetery, Bitlis, Eastern Anatolia TURKIYE

Abstract

Geophysical methods are used in archaeological sites to determine buried remains. Thus, these methods assist archaeological excavation strategies. Archaegeophysical methods are basically based on measuring the physical parameter contrast between the buried archaeological remains and the covering environment. In this study, magnetic and ground penetrating radar methods were applied as geophysical methods in order to contribute to excavation planning. The study area is a historical cemetery and has been used as an interment for about 1000 years. With the information obtained from the field, the research depth was planned not to exceed 3 meters in general, but up to 10 meters of information was produced. The study was carried out to determine possible graves in the area outside the walls of Meydan Cemetery in Ahlat (Bitlis) district. After some data-processing applications to the data of the study areas, magnetic and ground penetrating radar anomaly maps were produced and possible excavation sites were determined.