17.09.2025 22:41
The commemoration events for the 849th anniversary of the 1176 Battle of Miryokefalon, which solidified Anatolia as a Turkish homeland, announced an important historical discovery. Associate Professor Dr. İbrahim Balık stated that they have identified the location of the controversial Miryokefalon Castle, saying, "We can be considered to have found it with a 99% probability. We obtained this through surface discovery, and now we await the scientific results from below the ground."
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The commemoration program for the 849th anniversary of the 1176 Battle of Miryokefalon, which solidified Anatolia as the Turkish homeland, was held at Delikliçınar Square. The memorial ceremony began with a wreath presentation, a moment of silence, and the National Anthem. In his speech, Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu mentioned three significant historical turning points that ensured Anatolia remained a Turkish homeland, recalling the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, the 1176 Battle of Miryokefalon, and the process leading to the War of Independence and the proclamation of the Republic. The program featured contributions from Prof. Dr. Muharrem Kesik, Prof. Dr. Murat Keçiş, Prof. Dr. Altay Tayfun Özcan, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kara, Prof. Dr. Tülay Metin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Balık, Author Münir Sayhan, and Researcher Hasan Gümüş, who are conducting scientific studies in Çivril.
THE LOCATION OF THE MIRYOKEVALON CASTLE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH 99% ACCURACY Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Balık, noting that the anniversary of the Battle of Miryokefalon, one of the most important victories in Turkish history, is being celebrated, stated, "Inshallah, we can say that we have found the Miryokefalon Castle, which has been lost and has caused debates about the location of the battle, with a 99% probability. We obtained this through surface discoveries, and now we await the scientific results from below the ground. We will inform the entire Turkish public."
THE WAR THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF ANATOLIAN HISTORY Reading a joint statement on behalf of the experts conducting scientific studies related to the Miryokefalon Castle, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Balık said, "We have gathered here on the occasion of the anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Miryokefalon, which is one of the most important victories in Turkish history. 849 years ago, on September 17, 1176, Byzantine Emperor Manuel Komnenos and the Seljuk Sultan of Turkey, II. Kılıç Arslan, faced each other in the Kufi Valley within the borders of our Çivril district. In this battle, the efforts of the local Turkmen and the brilliant strategies of II. Kılıç Arslan led to the significant destruction of the Byzantine army. This second great victory, obtained nearly 100 years after the victory at Manzikert on August 26, 1071, changed the course of Anatolian history. The process of the Seljuk Turks making Anatolia their homeland, which began with the victory at Manzikert, was completed with the victory at Miryokefalon, and the lands of Anatolia became the eternal homeland of the Turks," he stated.
"THIS VICTORY CONFIRMS THAT ANATOLIA IS THE ETERNAL TURKISH HOMELAND" Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Balık, who also provided information about the battle, stated, "Despite its great importance, the Battle of Miryokefalon has unfortunately always been perceived in a different way in Turkey's agenda. The debates about the location of this battle have turned into complete chaos and confusion due to contemporary political approaches or local perceptions that have persisted for nearly a century. It is now time to set aside unscientific discourses and attitudes regarding this issue and to evaluate and examine the subject entirely within the framework of the methodology of historical science. Discussions about the Kufi Valley in Çivril, which is one of the proposed locations for the battlefield, have been ongoing at an academic level for a long time. Every study conducted on this subject is invaluable and contributes significantly to the correct understanding of the Miryokefalon Victory, which is one of our most important military successes in history. Indeed, as a result of our studies and evaluations on the sources of the period, we have reached the conclusion that this great battle between Manuel Komnenos and II. Kılıç Arslan took place in the Kufi Valley of Çivril. We have also demonstrated this through our scientific publications on the subject. The Byzantine army, which set out from Honaz, continued its advance under the intense pressure of the local Turkmen from Kaklık and reached the Subleon (Çivril-Gümüşsu) castle. Here, Manuel Komnenos, who secured the necessary logistical support, intended to follow the Kufi Valley, which was the shortest and most accessible route, to reach Sandıklı and then to Konya via the Akşehir road. Anticipating the emperor's route, II. Kılıç Arslan effectively evaluated the topography of the Kufi Valley and inflicted a heavy defeat on the Byzantine army with his ambush tactics. With this victory, the process of making Anatolia a homeland, which had been ongoing for nearly a hundred years, was completed, and it was confirmed that these lands are the eternal Turkish homeland. The Denizli Metropolitan Municipality and the Çivril Municipality are organizing various events to celebrate this victory within their means. However, it is our greatest desire that the anniversary celebrations of the Miryokefalon Victory, which is one of the most important turning points in Turkish history, be held in a more magnificent manner. It is particularly important that both the state and politics, as well as civil society organizations, show interest in this issue in Denizli, where this victory was achieved, and create an agenda in the city, celebrating it with more widely attended ceremonies. The celebrations of the Miryokefalon Victory should be transformed into a local festival atmosphere in Denizli. We believe that all those in positions of authority and responsibility should take action in this regard. As a further step, we hope that our state will show interest and support for the celebrations of the Miryokefalon Victory at the highest level, just as it does for the celebrations of the Malazgirt Victory, which is one of the most important victories in our history and has significant consequences for both Turkish and Turkish history. Because the Turks, who began to settle in Anatolia with Manzikert, obtained the title deed of these lands with Miryokefalon. It is particularly important that the events and celebrations in 2026, marking the 850th anniversary of the victory, are carried out with the expected intensity. Happy 849th anniversary of our Miryokefalon Victory, which made Anatolia Turkey. We extend our respects to all of you with the hope that it will lead us to many more great victories in every field as a nation," he concluded.
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"FOUND AFTER 10 YEARS OF RESEARCH" Stating that research has been conducted in the region for 10 years and that the location of the Miryekefalon Castle, which is a subject of debate regarding the war, has been found with a 99% probability, Assoc. Dr. İbrahim Balık said, "We have dedicated the last 10 years to the Battle of Miryokefalon. We spend a significant part of almost every summer there. We have made important discoveries. We will provide a more detailed explanation by conducting field shoots within a month. Our intensive work continues with the 1176 association. God willing, we can say that we have found the Miryekefalon Castle, which has been lost and has caused debate about the location of the battle, with a 99% probability. We have obtained surface discoveries, and now we await the scientific results from below the ground. We will inform the entire Turkish public," he said.
"WE OWE IT TO THE HEROES WHO ENTRUSTED THIS HOMELAND TO US WITH THEIR LIVES" Emphasizing that the Republic allows everyone to have a say in the management of the country based on their merit, Metropolitan Mayor Çavuşoğlu stated, "Today, someone from Serinhisar can become a mayor without being affiliated with a dynasty; this is the greatest gift of this republic to us. Our greatest debt is to work by preserving this legacy," he said. Mayor Çavuşoğlu concluded his speech with the words, "May the anniversary of the Victory of Miryokefalon be blessed for all of us. We will repay our debt to those who did not hesitate to give their lives for this homeland, at least by working, with justice, and by protecting the rights of this land."
A PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION WAS ALSO OPENED After the ceremony, a photography exhibition on the "Victory of Miryokefalon" was opened, and a panel was held at the Çatalçeşme Chamber Theater. The panel was moderated by Assoc. Dr. İbrahim Balık, while Prof. Dr. Muharrem Kesik, Prof. Dr. Levent Kayapınar, Prof. Dr. Altay Tayfun Özcan, Prof. Dr. Murat Keçiş, and Dr. Faculty Member Selim Kaya explained the historical significance of the victory. Meanwhile, the celebration program will conclude this evening (September 17, Wednesday) at 20:00 with a public concert by the artists of the Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Conservatory in the Cumhuriyet Square of Çivril. The commemoration program held in Delikliçınar Square was attended by Mayor Çavuşoğlu, Deputy Mayor Ali Marım, Çivril Deputy Mayor Sinan Genç, municipal bureaucrats, and many citizens.
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