Skeletons unearthed from a medieval cemetery in eastern Turkey are undergoing ancient DNA and forensic analyses as researchers investigate whether the remains are linked to the historic Battle of Manzikert, one of the most decisive conflicts of the medieval era.
Archaeologists are excavating the burial site near the town of Malazgirt, historically known as Manzikert, where the Byzantine Empire suffered a major defeat to the Seljuk Turks in 1071. Historians consider the battle a turning point that paved the way for Turkish settlement across much of Anatolia and reshaped the region’s political landscape for centuries.
The research forms part of the Malazgirt Battlefield Identification, Historical and Archaeological Survey Project, launched in 2020 by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in partnership with the Ahlat Museum Directorate and Mus Alparslan University.
Battlefield cemetery undergoes scientific study
Researchers hope the ongoing archaeological and scientific work will determine who the buried individuals were, where they came from, and whether any of them took part in one of the most significant battles of the medieval period.
The project combines archaeology with forensic science and ancient DNA analysis to better understand the people buried at the cemetery and the historical events surrounding the site.
Excavations uncover more medieval graves
Archaeologists uncovered 18 graves during this year’s excavation season, adding to dozens of burials identified since the project began.
Skeletons unearthed near the site of the 1071 Battle of Manzikert in Turkey are undergoing ancient DNA and forensic testing as researchers investigate whether they are linked to one of medieval history's most pivotal conflicts. pic.twitter.com/tcx485viW3
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) July 3, 2026
Radiocarbon dating shows the graves date to the 11th and 12th centuries, placing them within the period of the Battle of Manzikert and the decades that followed.
Dating points to the Battle of Manzikert era
Earlier analyses found that every burial followed Islamic funeral traditions. Around 40% of the individuals were young adult men, a pattern researchers say is consistent with a population affected by military conflict during that period.
Although the cemetery has not yet been definitively linked to the battle, researchers say the archaeological evidence and scientific analyses could help determine whether some of those buried were connected to the historic conflict.
DNA analysis may reveal identities
After excavation, the skeletons are transported to laboratories at Hacettepe University and Mus Alparslan University for detailed examination.
Scientists are analyzing the remains to determine each individual’s age, biological sex, health, possible cause of death, and ancient genetic profile. The DNA evidence could also provide clues about family relationships, population origins and ancestry, helping researchers build a clearer picture of the people buried at the cemetery.
The findings may also improve understanding of the Battle of Manzikert and the communities that lived in the region during the medieval period.
Remains will be reburied after testing
Once all laboratory examinations are complete, the remains will be returned to the cemetery and reburied in their original graves, following archaeological and ethical standards for the treatment of human remains.
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