Mongol Palace of Hulagu Khan Unearthed in Van: A Roof Tile Sparked the Discovery

A simple roof tile found in a field two decades ago has led to one of the most remarkable international archaeological discoveries in recent years. Excavations in Hanköy, a rural village in Türkiye’s Van province, have revealed the remains of a palace and settlement linked to Hulagu Khan, the founder of the Ilkhanate and grandson of Genghis Khan.

The story began in 2004, when local teacher Ali Fikret Yıldız and his brothers uncovered two decorated tiles—bearing human and vine motifs—while working in their field. He handed them over to the Van Museum, where they remained unnoticed for years. In 2022, during a museum visit, Dr. Ankhbayar Danuu, then an academic and now Mongolia’s Consul General in Istanbul, recognized striking similarities between the motifs and rare Mongol roof tiles known only from sites in Mongolia.

This chance observation triggered a joint archaeological mission by scholars from İzmir Katip Çelebi University, the National University of Mongolia, the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. Led by Prof. Dr. Ersel Çağlıtütüncigil, the team launched excavations in Hanköy in 2023.

Findings include figural roof tiles identical to Mongolian prototypes, ceramic fragments, and rammed-earth wall remains. Taken together, they point to a monumental Ilkhanid construction—identified as Hulagu Khan’s summer palace and its surrounding urban layout. The discovery has been hailed as the westernmost known example of Mongol imperial architecture.

Professor Anıl Yılmaz, who advises the 2025 campaign, emphasized its significance:
“Medieval Anatolia hosted countless settlements, yet most cannot be matched with names in historical records. Identifying Hulagu Khan’s palace here fills a major gap and demonstrates how far Mongol architecture extended westward.”

For teacher Yıldız, the man whose field sparked the discovery, the outcome is deeply rewarding:
“I never sought financial gain. I only wanted these artifacts to contribute to history. Knowing that our land held a piece of world heritage makes me proud.”

The find has generated considerable attention not only in Türkiye but also in Mongolia, highlighting the enduring cultural links between the two regions and offering fresh insight into the Ilkhanid presence in Anatolia.

Cover Photo: DHA