NEW OBSERVATIONS OF THE DOGUBAYAZIT ROCK-CUT TOMB

Year 2017, Issue: 20, 17 - 35, 12.11.2017

Erkan Konyar

Abstract

The Rock-Cut Tomb of Doğubayazıt is a unique example in the Eastern Anatolian and Urartian geography with its plan, features and façade reliefs. It comprises of a main hall at the entrance, and two rooms that can be accessed by ascending from it. There are niches on the west and north walls of the tomb chamber. What makes the Doğubayazıt Tomb unique is its façade relief. It is possible to date the reliefs from its stylistic features. The compositions on some medallions and bronze plates in museums, either from Urartian centres like Toprakkale, Karmir-Blur, and Giyimli or obtained through purchase, are significant in terms of comparison. The goat next to the woman on these finds is a very characteristic composition and can be compared to the depiction on the tomb relief. Another detail that draws attention is the conical helmet worn by the king or the lord. Depictions of warriors, kings and gods with this helmet are frequently seen on Urartian bronze artefacts. The iconographic features of the relief, the stone masonry of the burial chamber, and features such as niches suggest a date within the Urartian period.

Keywords

Urartu, Doğubayazıt, Rock-Cut Tomb, Façade Relief

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