Experts Create Sculptures of Seljuk Sultans Through DNA Analysis

In Konya, DNA and anatomical analysis were conducted on the remains extracted from the mausoleum of the Anatolian Seljuk Dynasty, revealing the facial and bodily features of 12 sultans and 17 dynasty members.

The project "Arrangement of the Remains in the Konya Mausoleum of the Seljuks of Turkey," carried out by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, was completed in six years with the collaboration of numerous experts from various scientific fields.

The "Seljuk Dynasty of Turkey Exhibition," featuring sculptures reflecting the appearances of the sultans who ruled Anatolia from 1077 to 1308, has been opened for visitors at the Dar-ül Mülk Exhibition Palace in the city center.

The exhibition includes realistic sculptures of the following sultans: 1. Kılıçarslan, Şahinşah Melikşah, 1. Rükneddin Mesud, 2. Kılıçarslan, 2. Rükneddin Süleyman Şah, 3. Kılıçarslan, 1. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, 1. Alaeddin Keykubat, 2. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, 4. Kılıçarslan, 3. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, and 2. Gıyaseddin Mesud, all accurately representing their facial and bodily features.

Greeted by rulers at the crown gates, who are dressed in historically accurate attire based on historical miniatures, visitors are captivated by their facial expressions, hair, beards, postures, and gazes, reflecting the architectural richness of the Anatolian Seljuk State.

Each stage of the project, shedding light on the history of the Anatolian Seljuk State, which began in 2017 and was completed in 6 phases, is detailed in the visitor information texts displayed at the exhibition.