Abstract:

One of the most important centers in Anatolia that stands out with the art of stone processing is undoubtedly Ahlat. The city sheds light on the stone processing tradition of Anatolian Turkish History with its architectural structures and tombstones where the stone is processed like lacemaking. Ahlat, which was an important settlement location in the Middle Ages, has become one of the largest cities of the Islamic world in terms of culture, civilization and trade during the Seljuk Period. The city, standing out as substantial in Turkish history in political and socio-cultural terms, has made a reputation especially with the artists it has raised. One of the most important works of artisans is undoubtedly tombstones. The Seljuk Square Cemetery in Ahlat is one of the most important places where we can see competent examples of tombstone workmanship. These works, which are important historical documents of Anatolia with their inscriptions, were made by competent artists of the period, as can be understood from the artist inscriptions on them. One of these artists is Ahmed bin Hussein. In the field studies carried out in the cemetery area, two grave structures of the artist have been identified. Among these works on the west side of the cemetery, Bengi Sultan Hatun's Tomb, Daughter of Haydar is dated 921 (Hegira Calender) / 1515 (Gregorian Calender); ... Hatun’s Tomb, Daughter of Haydar is dated 931 (Hegira Calender) / 1524 (Gregorian Calender). In the study, these works having the signature of Ahmed bin Hussein have been tried to be assessed in terms of typology, construction techniques, ornamentation features and inscription contents. The characteristic features of the artist have been endeavored to be determined, and the place of these features in the Ahlat style has been endeavored to be identified.

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