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Excavation and restoration work is underway in Kemah, a district of Erzincan province in Türkiye's Eastern Anatolia region, roughly 570 kilometers (354.1 miles) east of Ankara. The project aims to preserve historic structures dating from the Mengucek, Seljuk and Ottoman periods for future generations.
Türkiye's General Directorate of Foundations has launched work at four sites in Kemah: the Sultan Melik Mengucek Gazi Tomb, the Behramsah Lodge, the Sancaktar Tomb, and the Sagiroglu Cemetery.
The Sultan Melik Mengucek Gazi Tomb is considered one of the significant architectural works of the Mengucek period, distinguished by its octagonal body, brickwork, and geometric ornamentation. The Behramsah Lodge has a rectangular plan with geometric brick decoration, while the Sancaktar Tomb features an octagonal exterior with a round interior body. The Sagiroglu Cemetery contains 45 gravestones from the Ottoman period.
A team of approximately 30 people is working on the project, which is expected to be completed in 13 months. The restoration focuses on preserving the original architectural features of the structures, addressing deterioration that has occurred over time, and reinforcing the buildings.
Art historian Makbule Kanberoglu told Anadolu Agency that the team is working in a region of significant historical and cultural importance. She said the restoration process is important for understanding the district's history and that the excavation and restoration carried out under the General Directorate of Foundations aim to bring these Mengucek-era structures to light, preserve them, and transfer them to future generations.
Restorer Murat Sinop said the team's aim is to contribute to Kemah both culturally and touristically.
He said the restoration work is being carried out without damaging the original and natural features of the structures, with the goal of uncovering Mengucek-era history, repairing the buildings, and passing them on to the future.
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