Historical Ram-Headed Grave Stones

The sheep, horse, and ram-shaped tombstones found in Tunceli province are regional tombstones dated to approximately 250 to 300 years ago. Typically carved from a single piece of rock, these tombstones weigh between 200 and 300 kilograms. They are positioned upright and oriented to face the same direction.

Ram-Headed Historical Tombstones (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Geographical and Historical Context

These tombstones are located in the old cemeteries of various villages and hamlets across Tunceli, usually on elevated areas such as hilltops or the upper parts of villages. The stones found in these cemetery sites bear traces of the Akkoyunlu and Karakoyunlu burial traditions of the region.

Motifs and Decorations

Although the tombstones are carved in simple forms, they feature relief figures related to warfare and weapons such as swords, daggers, spears, shields, knives, rifles, pistols, and arrows; daily life motifs such as looms, jugs, forks, and combs; as well as animal and plant designs. These decorations serve not only an ornamental purpose but also convey information about the deceased’s gender, profession, social status, and beliefs.

Ram-Headed Historical Tombstones (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Social and Cultural Functions

Motifs such as swords, shields, horses, rams, and rifles indicate that the deceased was male and a warrior. Symbols like lamps and scales are associated with religious figures; needles, spindles, and hand figures with women. Pitchers and trays symbolize personal traits such as generosity and hospitality. Motifs such as Zulfiqar (the sword of Hz. Ali) and the sun throne found on some tombs indicate that the deceased belonged to the Alevi faith.

Ram-Headed Historical Tombstones (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Cultural and Belief Context

These tombstones in Tunceli are tangible expressions of the region’s traditional customs, norms, and belief systems. Shaped by the fusion of Alevi faith and the cultural values of the local population, these tombstones constitute an important archaeological and ethnographic resource.

Conservation and Inventory Efforts

Approximately 70 ram- and horse-shaped tombstones are under conservation at the Tunceli Museum. Additionally, around 30 tombstones have been officially registered and placed under protection, along with the sites where they are located. The museum maintains an inventory of the tombstones, records their details, and carries out conservation work.