From Central Asia to the Balkans: Ram and Sheep-Shaped Tombstones Go on Display in Diyarbakır for the First Time

The Diyarbakır Museum has unveiled ram and sheep-shaped tombstones that had remained in storage for 91 years. These sculpted stones, carved from basalt and limestone, were not only markers of the dead but also symbols of identity, gender, and social status in medieval Anatolia.

Founded in 1934, the Diyarbakır Museum is one of Türkiye’s oldest cultural institutions. Among the artifacts transferred to the museum during its early years were unique tombstones from Karacadağ and Muş. While the Karacadağ examples were carved entirely from volcanic basalt, the Muş stones show a different character with limestone and calcareous textures.

This funerary tradition is most prominently associated with the Aq Qoyunlu (Ak Koyunlu) and Qara Qoyunlu (Kara Koyunlu) dynasties of the 14th–15th centuries. Yet its roots stretch far beyond Anatolia, with parallels found from the steppes of Central Asia to the villages of the Balkans. Within Anatolia, such tombstones are especially common in Eastern and Southeastern Türkiye, Kars, Iğdır, and Tunceli.

The symbolism is striking: men were memorialized with ram figures, women with sheep, and infants with smaller versions. Decorative motifs reveal personal details — a sword indicates warrior status, while scissors point to craftsmanship. Some figures show sharp, imposing lines, while others carry simpler forms, reflecting the individual’s role and standing in society.

Acting Museum Director Müjdat Gizligöl emphasized that these tombstones are more than funerary markers:

“They tell the story of the living as much as the dead. The symbols carved into the stones reflect gender, profession, and status. After 91 years, we are proud to present this unique cultural heritage to the public.”

By opening the collection to visitors, Diyarbakır Museum connects today’s audience not only with Anatolia’s medieval past but also with a shared cultural tradition spanning continents.