Archaeo-Geophysical Investigations in Ahlat Seljuk Square Cemetery, Bitlis, Eastern Anatolia Turkiye

Abstract

Geophysical methods are frequently used in archaeological sites to obtain significant priori information. These methods assist archaeological excavation strategies by indicating the anomaly zones that may be associated with buried remains. Archaeo-geophysical methods are based on measuring the physical parameter contrast (e.g. magnetic susceptibility, dielectric constant, resistivity, density) between the buried archaeological remains and the covering environment. In this study, magnetic and ground penetrating radar methods were applied to contribute to excavation planning. The study area is a historical cemetery and has been used as an interment area for about 1000 years. Considering the information obtained from the previous excavations, the research depth was initially planned not to exceed 3 meters in general, but information up to 10 meters was obtained. We aimed at determining possible graves in the area outside the walls of Square Cemetery in Ahlat (Bitlis) district. After performing some data-processing steps to the raw data obtained, magnetic and ground penetrating radar anomaly maps were produced. Based on the distinguishable geophysical traces most promising locations were determined and suggested for archaeological excavations.