Ahlat tombstones and their interpretation on ceramic surface

Turks have built many unique works in the administrative, civil and religious fields in Central Asia, Iran and Anatolia. Among these works, there are tombstones considered as religious structures. The best examples of these tombstones are the tombstones belonging to the Seljuk period in Ahlat district of Bitlis. Seljuk tombstones in Ahlat were produced in line with the understanding of Turkish Islamic art. There are also tombstones belonging to different periods and cultures in Ahlat. However, tombstones belonging to the Seljuk period were taken as the subject of research and examined. Designs are made based on the plant, geometric, animal and mythological ornaments on Ahlat Seljuk tombstones and it is aimed to produce original ceramic forms in the form of three-dimensional panels. For this purpose, a total of 11 studies were carried out. The studies in question produced three-dimensional and panel products using mold, hand-forming and sealing methods. 950 degree biscuit firing and 1050 degree glaze firing were applied to the products. In the coloring processes, generally antique, red, turquoise and black colors were preferred. Keywords: Ahlat, Selçuklu, Tombstone, Ceramics