Religious Monuments of Bitlis

Ulu Mosque (Center): Mosque constructed in 1150 by Ebu'l Muzaffer Muhammed is one of the oldest samples of Anatolian Turkish architecture. Strong stone architecture and balcony front dome within a symmetric balanced plan which is prototype among the other mosques is emphasizing an impressing development. The development of these process continues in Artukian mosques afterwards.

Ahlat Vaults

Ulu Vault: Ulu Vault, which is the biggest of Ahlat vaults, is at south of Meydanlık Graveyard, and near to Lake Van. It is estimated that it is constructed during 13th century. Rosette and “Wheel of Fortune” motifs are adorned on the loopholes on base of vault.

Hüseyin Timur Vault: It is one of the two vaults in the west that named İki Kubbe District. "Emir Hüseyin Timur ibn Bugatay Aka died in 1279" is mentioned in the script on its entrance, and "Hüsameddin Hüseyin Aka Kızı Esentekin Hatun died in 1280" is mentioned in the script on east window.

Bugatay Aka Vault: The vault was constructed for Bugatay Aka and Şirin Hatun, who died in 1281, is at the east of Hüseyin Timur Vault.While covered with a conical hat externally, the vault is closed by a dome internally.

Hasan Padişah Vault: This vault in Taht-ı Süleyman District is the second important and big monument after Ulu Vault. It is made up of Ahlat stone, and repaired widely. Vault is covered by a dome internally, and a conical hat externally.

Erzen Hatun Vault: According to the script written on corolla door, vault was constructed for Emir Ali’s daughter Erzen Hatun between 1396 and 1397,and is one of the most ornamented one among the Ahlat Vaults. Besides geometrical and vegetal adornments, borders of hexagonal series are interesting.

Emir Bayındır Vault: The vault at the west of the İki Kubbe District, at the end of Meydanlık Graveyard is one of the most interesting Ahlat vaults according to art history. In the script which surrounds the vault from its upper part, the life and characteristics of Melik Bayındır Bey, who died in 1481 is written.

Kesiş Vault: The vault in İki Kubbe District is the simplest piece of art of Ahlat. It is also known as Keşiş or Tek Vault. According to the general characteristics of its structure, it is supposed to be a 14th century product.