01.12.2025 18:43
In the Erciş district of Van, the historical cemetery containing Karakoyunlu tombstones from the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as the Haydar Baba Tomb of the followers of Ahmet Yesevi, has become a target for treasure hunters. The treasure hunters have virtually plundered the cemetery, breaking the centuries-old tombstones and digging up graves to extract human bones.
The historical cemetery in the Haydarbey neighborhood of Erciş district in Van has become a target for treasure hunters.
HISTORICAL GRAVES DUG UP, GRAVESTONES BROKEN
The cemetery, which includes the tomb of Haydar Baba, known to be one of the followers of Ahmet Yesevi, has been vandalized by treasure hunters. The treasure hunters dug up the historical graves and broke the gravestones. Visitors to the historical cemetery expressed their sadness at the sight they encountered.
"600-YEAR-OLD CEMETERY HAS BEEN RAVAGED MERCILESSLY"
Ilyas İşler, a resident of the neighborhood, expressed his sorrow over the destruction of the historical cemetery, stating, "The historical 600-year-old cemetery next to the tomb of Haydar Baba, known to be one of the followers of Ahmet Yesevi, has been mercilessly ravaged by treasure hunters."
"HUMAN BONES HAVE BEEN UNEARTHED"
İşler continued his remarks as follows: "Treasure hunters have dug up the graves and broken the stones in search of gold. These are our historical values. There are witness and sarcophagus graves in the Haydar Baba Cemetery, which dates back to the 14th century in Erciş. Unfortunately, this cultural heritage has been ravaged by treasure hunters, and human bones have been unearthed. This situation has saddened us greatly. We request the authorities to take the necessary measures for this historical cemetery."